Mack Defense, LLC (a Volvo company) is now producing  M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) at the Mack Experience Center, following an investment of $6.5 million (€5.5 million) to create a dedicated production line at the facility.

The investment will help fulfil the M917A3 contract with the US Army, as well as allow the production of other vehicle variants. “The investment to create a dedicated HDT product line at the Mack Experience Center will increase production efficiencies,” commented company President, David Hartzell.

Previously, non-armoured HDT vehicles started production at Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO), where all Mack Truck Class 8 vehicles for North America and export are assembled. The HDT vehicle was then transported to the Mack Experience Center, where final assembly – including the dump body –  was added. Production of HDT at the Center began in the first quarter of this year. The HDT is based on the civilian Mack GRANITE model, one of the top-selling vocational trucks in North America. The M917A3 HDT was modified with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other features to meet the US Army needs. Initial deliveries of the HDT to the Army began in May