Mack Trucks Inc. announced that assembly of the Mack mDrive automated manual transmission begins this month at the company’s Hagerstown, Md., powertrain facility, where Mack powertrain components have been assembled since 1961.
“Expanding our manufacturing activities in the U.S. is important to Mack,” said Kevin Flaherty, president of Mack Trucks North American sales and marketing. “Bringing mDrive assembly to the Hagerstown facility while also meeting the growing demand we’ve seen since the transmission’s introduction in 2010 exemplifies our commitment to investing in what our customers need.”
According to the company, more than one-third of the highway trucks currently rolling off the assembly line at Mack’s Macungie, Pa., truck plant feature the automated manual transmission, which is available on Mack Pinnacle model highway tractors. Mack said mDrive, which gives customers significantly improved fuel efficiency, is designed and engineered to work exclusively with Mack MP series engines as part of the company’s Pedigree Powertrain offering – in which engine, transmission and axles are all Mack proprietary components.
“The mDrive transmission allows Mack to further capitalize on its 112-year legacy as an integrated manufacturer delivering improved fuel efficiency, better drivability and enhanced driver satisfaction,” Flaherty said. “Smooth automated shifting continues to win driver favor as a growing number of customers, including liquid bulk and fuel haulers, transition their fleets to mDrive. The mDrive automated manual transmission is simple to use and contributes to safety and driver retention.”
U.S. production of the transmission was made possible through an $8 million investment in the Hagerstown manufacturing plant to create a new assembly line, install the necessary equipment and train personnel. The investment also created 50 new jobs at the facility. For a video about the opening of the new line and the Mack mDrive, visit the truck maker’s YouTube channel.
