Volvo to Boost Production at Virginia Truck Plant
Volvo Trucks North America said Wednesday it will bring 700 workers to boost production at its heavy-duty truck plant in Virginia in order to meet increased demand.
The announcement comes days after the United Auto Workers approved a five-year contract covering about 1,300 workers at the New River Valley facility in Dublin, Va.
“Customer response to our products, particularly the fuel-efficiency and performance of Volvo’s new near-zero emission engines, continues to be extremely positive,” said Ron Huibers, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
“Combined with the improving economy, this response is helping us continue the momentum we established with our 2010 market share increase,” he said in a statement.
The ramp-up will include adding a second shift, and associated recalls will take place in several stages between May 2 and June 13, Volvo said. Current plant employment is just under 1,500.
Volvo increased its combined U.S. and Canadian retail sales volume by 46% last year and boosted its market share by two points, to 9.6%.
Last August, Volvo recalled about 270 workers to the truck plant to meet higher demand.
Through February, Volvo’s retail sales were up 47% over the same period last year, and its year-to-date market share was up 1.6 points, to 10.9%, it said.
