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Mack Trucks unveils new Mack Experience Center

Mack Trucks on Tuesday celebrated the opening of its remodeled Mack Experience Center in Allentown.  

The $3.2 million renovation included a reconfigured floor plan, facility enhancements and additional road obstacles to the onsite test track. 

“We’re excited to celebrate and unveil this state-of-the-art Mack Experience Center that which will offer customers around the world the opportunity to learn about Mack trucks, services and support,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks president. “We made this investment because we wanted a facility that truly showcased the innovativeness of Mack trucks, while also remaining true to our 123-year legacy.” 

The remodeled 160,000 square-foot space sits on 60 acres of property and includes a new welcome area, brand room, briefing room and a new second boardroom.  

The test track, where customers can drive Mack trucks on different types of terrain, now features a mud and rock pit area to demonstrate vocational capabilities. 

“The Mack Experience Center brings the Mack brand to life through experience and education,” said David Galbraith, vice president of global brand and marketing for Mack Trucks. “The building has been modernized with design elements that enable visitors to capture the depth of Mack products and the innovation core to the Mack brand.” 

The second boardroom added during the renovation offers another meeting space, which will be helpful when multiple customers are being hosted at the facility. A truck a customer is interested in can be pulled up to the room, and a translucent glass partition becomes transparent for better viewing. 

The briefing room is also a space that is large enough that a Mack Class 8 vehicle can be in the room during discussions. The product showroom also now features a hydraulic lift so customers can view the underside of the chassis. 

The redesign work began in December 2022. Additionally, the Mack Historical Museum was recently upgraded with a new gallery floor, graphics and heritage displays. The museum will open to the public on June 12. 

Bangor fuel service truck to appear in 2024 Mack Truck calendar

A Mack Truck from Bangor is among the winners in the 2024 Mack Truck Calendar Contest. 

A Mack MD from Fogel’s Fuel Service in Bangor will be among the trucks featured in next year’s Mack calendar. 

This year there were 171 submissions in seven different categories to become part of the calendar, that were voted on by thousands of Mack Truck fans across the country. 

The winners will participate in a professional photo shoot set up by Mack. All entries and their photos can be viewed at contests.macktrucks.com. 

“The response to this year’s contest was fantastic,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president of brand and marketing. “We had six times the number of votes as we did in 2022 and the number of entries with dogs in support of our ASPCA sponsorship was heartwarming.  Many of our dealers got involved as well by promoting their customers’ entries.” 

Mack truck owners submitted photos of their trucks to the Mack Calendar Contest in seven categories: Mack AnthemPinnacle, GraniteLRTerraPro and MD Series, plus an additional category for legacy Mack models that are no longer in production but still hard at work.  

This year entrants were able to earn bonus points for including their dog in their photo or video entry.  

 

Mack Trucks hitting the road with NASCAR

While they won’t be doing the actual racing, Mack Trucks is getting involved with a NASCAR team. 

Mack Trucks announced Thursday that it has signed a multi-year partnership with 23XI (twenty-three eleven) Racing to be its official truck partner.  

The team is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. 

Mack will be providing three Mack Anthem models and one Mack MD Class 6 model to 23XI Racing to support the team throughout the NASCAR Cup Series season.  

The Mack Anthem models will haul Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry TRD and Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota Camry TRD between races, in addition to hauling important team equipment. 

 The Mack MD model will be equipped with a flatbed to transport the teams’ vehicles as they are being prepared for competition. 

“We make trucks that move racecars, but the partnership between Mack Trucks and 23XI racing is based on more than just capabilities,” said David Galbraith, vice president of global brand and marketing for Mack Trucks. “We have a similar focus on high performance, excellence in engineering and winning in everything we do. We are intentional when it comes to our partners, and 23XI’s ethos is something we recognize in ourselves.” 

Mack Trucks are manufactured at its Lehigh Valley operations in Macungie. 

 “We look forward to seeing the Mack Anthems and Mack MD with 23XI livery on the road and at NASCAR Cup Series events,” said Galbraith.  

The first Mack Anthem has been delivered to the team and can be seen at NASCAR events around the country.  

The remaining two Mack Anthems and Mack MD are planned to be delivered to 23XI in the second quarter of 2023. 

U.S. Army orders another 144 trucks from Mack

Mack Defense has received an order for an additional 144 Mack Defense Heavy Dump Trucks. PHOTO/SUBMITTEED –

Mack Defense is reporting that the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve have ordered an additional 144 Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs). 

The additional vehicles, based on the commercially available Mack Granite model, are part of the previously announced firm-fixed price $296 million contract to be fulfilled over seven years that the Army awarded Mack Defense in 2018.  

Production of the HDTs began in the first quarter of 2021, following an investment of $6.5 million to create a dedicated HDT production line at the facility.  

The production line helps fulfill the M917A3 contract, while allowing Mack Defense to produce other vehicle variants. 

The original production line in the MEC was in Mack’s former Customer Adaptation Center in Allentown, where vehicle modifications occurred. The Customer Adaptation Center has since moved to Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) in Macungie where all Mack Class 8 vehicles for North America and export are assembled.  

Previously, non-armored HDT vehicles began production at LVO and were then transported to the MEC, for final assembly. 

The HDTs are a key component in construction and maintenance missions for infrastructure assets, such as airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools. 

“We are proud to maintain our production operation which was created for the U.S. Army M917A3 HDT program, and we are extremely proud that our Mack Defense HDT vehicles, which have been fielded, are meeting and exceeding expectations,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “Mack Defense remains committed to producing vehicles for the U.S. armed forces based on modified versions of our industry-leading Mack vehicles providing the latest technologies and best value while meeting the military’s demanding requirements.” 

The Army previously had ordered 155 HDTs, which are spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the Army. Those HDT vehicles have all been built, and final deliveries will continue through August 2022. 

 

Casey touts CHIPS and Science Act during Mack Trucks tour

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey visits Mack Trucks’ Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie. PHOTO/SUBMITTED –

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA, was in the Lehigh Valley Friday to visit the Mack Trucks operations in Macungie and highlight how the CHIPS and Science Act will invest in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, which are used in Mack Trucks and other automobiles.  

Casey was promoting the act, which he said will boost jobs, including for autoworkers, in the Lehigh Valley and lower costs for families across Pennsylvania. 

The act was signed into law earlier this month by President Joe Biden. 

 The Act incentivizes the investment in domestic jobs, technology and manufacturing, primarily in the semiconductor industry.  

Currently, the United States only produces 12% of semiconductors in the world—down from 37% in the 1990s—as foreign competitors, including China, are heavily investing in the industry. 

He noted that semiconductor chips are critical to manufacturing Mack trucks, with some heavy-duty diesel-powered trucks requiring up to 1,500 chips per truck. 

The act includes $52 billion in investments and incentives for American semiconductor companies to conduct R&D and manufacture chips domestically in the United States.  

Part of this investment funds an incentive program to focus on legacy chip production to aid industries critical to the American economy, including the auto industry.  

Funding will also go to the implementation of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP), and other R&D programs.   

The CHIPS and Science Act also includes $2 billion to invest in the Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), helping U.S. wireless networks better compete against Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE. He said ORAN would create an open wireless network that allows components from different manufacturers to operate on the same network. 

Mobile, Alabama, orders Mack electric refuse truck

The Mack LR Electric Class 8 refuse vehicle is made in the Lehigh Valley. PHOTO/SUBMITED –

The City of Mobile, Alabama, has ordered a Lehigh Valley-made Mack LR Electric Class 8 refuse vehicle to help the city achieve its goals of being a more resilient and energy-efficient city.  

Mack and the City of Mobile made the announcement Friday at the city’s public works facility.  

“Mack would like to thank and congratulate the City of Mobile for its advancement toward electrification,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations. “For over a century, Mack Trucks has led the refuse segment through many changes, and it’s only natural that Mack once again leads the way with the latest technology. We look forward to furthering our commitment and the City of Mobile’s commitment to sustainability efforts.”  

The Mack LR Electric model will be Mobile’s first electric vehicle to operate in its fleet of 26 refuse trucks. Mobile received funds from the Volkswagen lawsuit settlement which enabled the purchase of the LR Electric vehicle.  

The city plans to continue to seek grants to help with the purchase of charging stations and the development of a comprehensive electric vehicle plan, said Chief Resilience Officer Casi Callaway. 

Mack Trucks now taking orders for electric refuse truck

Mack Trucks announced today that its next generation Mack LR Electric battery-electric vehicle is now available for order. PHOTO/COURTESY MACK TRUCK –

Mack Trucks announced Wednesday that its next generation Mack LR Electric battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is available for order. 

The Class 8 Mack LR Electric refuse truck model offers customers a more sustainable option for refuse and recycling collection.  

Mack began production of the LR Electric in 2021 at its Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, where all Class 8 Mack vehicles for North America and export are assembled. 

“Mack Trucks, the market leader in the refuse industry, is also a leader in e-mobility, and this is another step forward in our ongoing electrification journey,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations. “Customer feedback about the Mack LR Electric has been extremely positive, and we look forward to continuing to advance electrification to fulfill the needs of our customers.” 

The next generation LR Electric features 42 percent more energy than previous models and a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity offering an increased range. 

“Mack continues to make investments in e-mobility, and we are pleased that this next generation LR Electric further improves our offering,” said Scott Barraclough, Mack senior product manager of e-mobility. “Our dealers also are becoming EV certified, so customers will have the same level of service and support they have come to expect from Mack and its extensive dealer network.” 

 Mack said it has EV-certified dealers in California, Idaho and Montreal, Quebec, and many more are working toward achieving EV Certification status. 

Franklin Hill uses calendar win to help charity

The ladies of Franklin Hill Vineyards pose around their new Mack Truck with glasses of wine, a photo entry that got them chosen for the 2022 Mack Truck calendar. PHOTO/SUBMITTED –

It’s no big surprise that the past couple of years have been good for many businesses in the wine, spirits and brewing industries. 

With more people staying home, sales of wine, spirits and beer have risen, giving a boost to many local producers. 

Franklin Hill Vineyards in Bangor was no exception, and now owner Elaine Pivinski has tried to spend the new year giving back to the community that bolstered her business. 

Because of a change in her sales patterns because of the pandemic, Pivinski said her staff found themselves delivering more wine to retail outlets like grocery stores and Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Spirits locations. 

Most of the deliveries were made using delivery vans, but it was difficult to make the deliveries without a dock height truck. 

To accommodate the need, Pivinski said she decided to treat herself and her company. 

“I said, ‘I want a Mack Truck for my 73rd birthday,’” Pivinski said. 

And so, she got one, starting an adventure that garnered the local winery a great deal of attention. 

The company heard her story and invited her to submit her truck for the annual international Mack Truck calendar it puts out each year. 

No Pennsylvania company had ever made it onto the calendar before – even though the trucks are manufactured in the Lehigh Valley – but she decided to enter the contest with what she called a cute and silly photo of her and the other women of Franklin Hill, posing with the new truck. 

Promoting her entry on local social media, Franklin Hill’s truck not only became the first truck from a Pennsylvania company, but also the first truck from a Women-Owned Business to be selected for the calendar. 

“I’m just so proud,” she said. 

In announcing the trucks being featured in the 2022 calendar, Mack called the annual competition a great way to celebrate its fans. 

“It’s an honor to celebrate our hardworking customers and the great-looking Mack trucks they depend on,” said John Walsh, Mack Trucks vice president of marketing. 

Pivinski said she was proud to have Franklin Hill in the calendar among trucks from around the globe. 

“We truck our wines all over across Pennsylvania and now they’re among international trucks,” she said. 

As part of her victory, Mack sent Pivinski about a dozen of the calendars so she could share with friends and family, but she had a better idea. 

Pivinski asked Mack if they could send her more so she could sell them to earn money for a local homeless veterans charity. 

The truck manufacturer obliged and sent her about 50 of the calendars so she could sell them to supporters to raise money for the charity. 

Mack donated the calendars and Pivinski is selling them at each of her retail locations for $25, with the entire amount going to the charity. The calendars are still available for purchase. 

It wasn’t the only local charity the winery supported. Recognizing that many were struggling while her company was doing well, she made a number of donations to support community programs that are important to her in the Lehigh Valley. 

Franklin Hill donated $3000 to Bloom, a slate belt non-profit organization who help women in need. It also donated $3000 to Third St. Alliance, another non-profit helping women and children in need located in Easton. 

Also, on Dec. 1 the winery had a spontaneous event in its Bethlehem store and donated the proceeds to Bethlehem Emergency Shelter.  

Pivinski said she hopes to do more for local charities in 2022 and is grateful that her business has been strong enough to do so. 

Mack begins electric truck manufacturing at Lehigh Valley Operations

The Mack LR Electric model, Mack Trucks’ first fully electric Class 8 vehicle, is now in serial production at Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, where all Class 8 Mack vehicles for North America and export are assembled. PHOTO/SUBMITTED –

Mack Trucks has begun manufacturing its new Mack LR Electric Model, its first fully electric Class 8 vehicle, at its Lehigh Valley Operations in Macungie. All Mack Class 8 vehicles for North America and export are assembled at this location. 

“Mack has long been a leader in the refuse segment, and we couldn’t be more pleased to now be producing Mack LR Electric vehicles to help our customers meet their sustainability goals,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations. “Customer response to the LR Electric has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to putting more into fleet operations now that we are in production.” 

Equipped with four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries, the batteries provide vehicle propulsion and power for all onboard accessories driven through 12V, 24V and 600V electric circuits. A three-mode regenerative braking system helps recapture the energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day as a result of increasing payload throughout the day. 

“We are successfully producing the LR Electric at LVO, and we are fulfilling customer orders as we speak,” said Gunnar Brunius, vice president and general manager at LVO. “I’d like to recognize the hard work and dedication of LVO employees who have been eagerly preparing for this moment.” 

Mack Trucks founders inducted into Hall of Fame

Jeff Oldham, vice president for Mack Trucks’ central region, delivered remarks at the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Mack Trucks founders Jack and Gus Mack. PHOTO/SUBMITTTED –

The American Truck Historical Society has inducted Mack Trucks founders, Jack and Gus Mack into its newly created American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame. 

The Hall of Fame is in the society’s headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. It honors trucking professionals and their contributions to the industry and society.   

This was the inaugural induction. 

  “It’s truly an honor for the Mack brothers to be recognized for their indelible contributions to our essential industry, alongside the other legendary inductees,” said Martin Weissburg, Mack Trucks president. “The Mack brothers’ vision and spirit of innovation produced trucks that helped build countries and laid the groundwork for modern trucks that today build and move our world and support our quality of life.” 

While Mack was founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1893, it spent most of its existence headquartered in Allentown after moving there in 1905. 

While its headquarters is now in Greensboro, North Carolina, heavy truck manufacturing, Mack Defense and Mack’s customer center are all still in the Lehigh Valley. 

Jeff Oldham, vice president for Mack Trucks’ central region, delivered remarks at the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Mack Trucks founders Jack and Gus Mack.  

“The Mack brothers represent many qualities that I admire – entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, a bit of risk-taking, pride in their work and innovation,” he said. 

He said brothers’ legacy spans the globe, as Mack Trucks operates in more than 20 countries in the Americas, the Caribbean and Asia/Pacific regions. 

Mack vehicles have been on the jobsites of countless life-changing projects, he noted, including the Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal, Boston’s subway system and the Trans-Canada Highway. 

 

Biden praises Mack, union workers and the Lehigh Valley for manufacturing success

President Joe Biden today lauded Mack Truck, the United Auto Workers Local 677 and the Lehigh Valley for their efforts in growing American manufacturing during a visit to the Lower Macungie Mack plant.

Biden told the crowd of more than 100 workers, dignitaries and residents that a bipartisan agreement on his infrastructure bill was reached by a Senate committee and will advance to the Senate floor later this week.

The American Jobs Plan that Biden is pushing, will create millions of good jobs, rebuild the country’s infrastructure and position the United States to out-compete China, according the White House fact sheet.

Mack President Martin Weissburg said Biden’s message of building and strengthening American manufacturing and building an employee base aligns with what Mack is doing in the Lehigh Valley. “Right now, we have open positions we are recruiting for. We will add up to 400 people” to the already 2,500 person workforce.

Drawing cheers from the crowd, Biden said unions built the middle class and he is a champion for them. Since taking office, Biden told the crowd, the U.S. has gained 600,000 jobs a month, each month. “That is the fastest growing (job growth) on record,” he said. “We have laid the foundation for a long-term boom, not just short-term growth.

“When I put my hand on that Bible, I made a commitment to turn the tides to enable people to earn a living and take care of their parents,” he said, adding the last administration grew big business and enabled corporations to pay less taxes each year.

“Given half chance, the American people have never, never, never ever let this country down.”

Walt Smith, president of UAW Local 677, called Biden’s visit the highlight of his 44-year career at Mack, and said the union and the company have been “working really hard to grow the company.”

Don Cunningham, president of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., said while Mack is an internationally known brand, “The Lehigh Valley is a manufacturing center. Manufacturing is our second biggest sector so for him (Biden) to choose the Lehigh Valley to deliver his message shows higher levels of people recognize us.”

Part of Biden’s American Jobs Plan, is to secure critical supply chains so companies that manufacture here can get the parts they need here, alleviating the shortages the country has seen over the past year. “To sum it up in two words, ‘Buy American’,” Biden said.

“The people that said we shouldn’t rescue the auto industry are the same ones that don’t buy American,” he said. “The strength is here, right here in folks like you.”

American power is not military power, he said, it is the people. “That’s why people follow us.”

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