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Mack Trucks

From Alfawiki
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryAutomotive
FoundedJuly 26, 1900; 126 years ago (1900-07-26) (originally Mack Brothers Company)
Founder
    • John Mack
    • Augustus Mack
HeadquartersGreensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Key people
  • Stephen Roy (President)
ProductsHeavy and medium-duty trucks
Number of employees
2000
ParentVolvo
Websitemacktrucks.com

Mack Trucks, Inc. is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in trucks, with a historical background in bus production. Established in 1900 under the name Mack Brothers Company, it rolled out its initial truck model in 1905 and rebranded to its current corporate identity in 1922. Since the year 2000, Mack has operated as a subsidiary of Volvo after Volvo acquired both Mack and its then-parent company, Renault Véhicules Industriels.

The company's original headquarters were located in Brooklyn, before relocating to Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1905. It remained there until 2009, when it transitioned its main offices to Greensboro, North Carolina, where it is currently based.

Mack's manufacturing footprint includes assembly plants situated in Lower Macungie Township, Pennsylvania and Salem, Virginia, alongside powertrain production facilities in Hagerstown, Maryland. The company also maintains international assembly operations in Australia and Venezuela. Previous manufacturing sites in Winnsboro, South Carolina, Hayward, California, and Oakville, Ontario have been shuttered.

Operations

The core of Mack Trucks' production is concentrated at the Lehigh Valley Operations plant located in Macungie, Pennsylvania. This principal facility is responsible for assembling all Mack models, including the MP-series engines. As of 2024, Mack ranks as the fourth-largest employer within the Lehigh Valley area. The company holds a prominent position in producing vocational and on-highway vehicles spanning from Class 8 up to Class 13 trucks, distributing products to 45 countries worldwide.

Critical components such as Mack transmissions, TC-15 transfer cases, and rear engine power take-offs are manufactured at the original factory site in Hagerstown, Maryland. Production of parts for right-hand-drive vehicles takes place in Brisbane, Australia to support international markets. Assembly operations for South American trucks have been integrated with North American production at Macungie following the closure of the Caracas CKD plant. Additionally, Mack runs a remanufacturing facility based in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

2008 restructuring plan

In August 2008, Mack Trucks unveiled a restructuring strategy aimed at boosting competitiveness and maintaining long-term market leadership. This plan involved moving its corporate headquarters along with product development, support services, and procurement functions to Greensboro, North Carolina—the location of parent company Volvo Trucks' North American division—by 2009. It also entailed centralizing highway vehicle assembly at Macungie starting in 2008; transforming the Allentown testing site into a customer demonstration center by 2010; and reorganizing its parts distribution network by early 2011.

Corporation timeline

Key milestones in the evolution of Mack Trucks.

  • 1890: John M. ("Jack") Mack starts employment at Fallesen & Berry carriage firm in Brooklyn.
  • 1893: John and Augustus F. ("Gus") Mack take ownership of Fallesen & Berry.
  • 1894: William C. Mack becomes part of the company; exploration into steam and electric vehicle technology begins.
  • 1900: First sightseeing "Mack bus" is produced.
  • 1902: Formation of Mack Brothers Company in Brooklyn.
  • 1905: Primary manufacturing relocates to Allentown, Pennsylvania; Joseph Mack becomes a shareholder; expansion into railcars and locomotives initiated.
  • 1910: The "Manhattan" brand is rebranded as Mack trucks; Charles Mack joins the firm.
  • 1911: Merger with Saurer Motor Truck Company creates International Motor Truck Company (IMTC), capitalized at $2.6 million.
  • 1912: John and Joseph Mack exit the company; acquisition of Hewitt Truck occurs, retaining consultant Edward Ringwood Hewitt.
  • 1916: Production of armored trucks for military purposes begins.
  • 1919: Mack trucks are utilized by the U.S. Army during a transcontinental highway evaluation.
  • 1922: Company renamed Mack Trucks, Inc.; the bulldog emblem is adopted as the corporate symbol.
  • 1933: Mack vehicles play a significant role in major WPA infrastructure projects including Hoover Dam construction.
  • 1956: Brockway Motor Company acquired (operations ceased in 1977).
  • 1966: Assembly plant opened in Oakville, Ontario (shut down in 1993).
  • 1967: Incorporated into Signal Oil and Gas Company, later known as Signal Companies.
  • 1979-1983: Renault progressively acquires shares; Mack conducts an initial public offering issuing 15.7 million shares.
  • 1990: Renault Véhicules Industriels gains full ownership of Mack Trucks.
  • 2001: Integrated with Volvo Trucks alongside Renault Véhicules Industriels; Renault maintains an ownership stake.
  • 2002: Closure of the Winnsboro, South Carolina manufacturing facility.
  • 2006: Achieved record-high sales figures to date.
  • 2008: Headquarters moved to Greensboro, North Carolina.
  • 2018: Introduction of the new Mack Anthem model.
  • 2021: President Joe Biden visits Macungie plant unveiling a fully electric Class 8 truck; $84 million facility upgrade completed; announcement of hiring 400 employees amid semiconductor shortage-related production delays.

This timeline underscores pivotal changes in corporate structure, strategic leadership moves, product innovation milestones, and global expansion efforts that have shaped Mack Trucks’ market position and growth trajectory.

Market, model and products timeline

Chronology of Mack Trucks’ development based largely on information from MackTrucks.com.

  • 1909: Launch of a junior model truck with a 1½-ton capacity.
  • 1910: Delivery of the company’s first motorized hook and ladder firetruck to Morristown, New Jersey.
  • 1914–1916: Introduction of AB and AC models; over 40,000 AC units sold.
  • World War I period: Supplied more than 6,000 trucks to U.S. and British military forces; emergence of the "Mack Bulldogs" nickname.
  • 1918: First manufacturer to install air cleaners and oil filters on trucks.
  • 1920–1922: Innovations such as power brakes and replacement of chains with drive shafts on Model AB introduced.
  • 1927: Debut of BJ and BB truck models.
  • 1932: Bulldog emblem first appears on vehicle hoods.
  • 1934–1943: Manufactured approximately 290 electric trolley buses; Portland, Oregon was the largest customer.
  • 1935–1939: Annual sales rose from 1,515 to 6,670 units.
  • 1936: Release of E series and Mack Jr trucks.
  • 1938: Became first company to produce heavy-duty diesel engines internally.
  • World War II era: Delivered a total of 35,096 vehicles to Allied forces; notable military models include "N Series" and NO six-by-six tractors; produced over 2,600 tank power trains; ranked as the 63rd largest U.S. military production contractor.
  • 1940–1952: Introduction of L Model series trucks.
  • 1950–1966: Production span for A and B Model series; B Model reached total output of 127,786 units.
  • 1955: D Model low cab forward city delivery truck launched featuring hydraulic Verti-lift cab; total production was limited to 832 units.
  • Mid-1950s: Military M123 semi tractor introduced; acquisition of Ahrens-Fox tooling for C Model fire apparatus begins "Cincinnati Cabs" era.
  • Late 1950s–1962: Debut of aluminum-riveted G Model COE trucks alongside all-steel F Model COE family.
  • 1965–1967: Introduction of Super Pumper System for New York City fire department; R Model Series replaces B Models; CF Fire Engine introduced as a cab-forward version of F Model.
  • 1969: Patent awarded for cab air suspension system.
  • 1975–1993: Macungie plant inaugurated producing Cruise-Liner series; Super-Liner highway tractor launched with a production run lasting fifteen years.
  • Late 1970s–1980s: Rollout of low-cab-forward MC/MR series, Mid-Liner medium-duty model (manufactured by Renault), MH Ultra-Liner, and CH highway series; E7 engine supersedes E6 in 1989.
  • 1990–1999: Fire apparatus production discontinued; LE low-entry refuse vehicle introduced; Electronic Unit Pump replaces traditional fuel injection pump; Vision premium highway tractor launched with a limited edition commemorating centennial in 2000.
  • Early 2000s: Freedom medium-duty series (Renault-built) introduced then discontinued by 2003; Granite construction series launched in 2001; R Series dashboard redesigned.
  • Mid-2000s onward: Pinnacle highway model replaces Vision (2006); new product lines including LEU and MRU models introduced (2007); US07-compliant engines implemented across product range (2007).
  • 2008: Titan heavy-duty model released featuring the largest Mack MP10 engine (16 liters, up to 605 horsepower).
  • 2010: Natural gas-powered Terrapro Cabover introduced using Cummins Westport engine technology.
  • 2017: Titan model discontinued; Anthem on-highway tractor launched replacing Pinnacle Axle back variant.

North America

Models currently offered in the North American market consist of:
  • Construction Series:
    • Granite (including Granite Axle Back variant)
    • TerraPro Cabover
  • Highway Series:
  • Refuse Series:
    • LR
    • TerraPro Cabover and Low Entry models
    • Granite Axle Back and Granite
  • Military:

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

At the Wacol facility in Queensland, production for these regions includes:
  • Granite (no longer produced)
  • Metro-Liner
  • Anthem (introduced in 2021)
  • Super-Liner
  • Titan
  • Trident (available as Axle Forward and Axle Back)
  • TerraPro (distributed internationally through Mack Trucks Australia):
    • TerraPro Cabover
    • TerraPro Low Entry

Fire apparatus products

From 1911 until 1984, Mack Trucks built complete fire apparatus at its Allentown plant, including pumpers and aerial trucks equipped with ladder systems supplied by partners such as American LaFrance and Pierre Thibault. Numerous units remain operational worldwide.

Beginning in the 1970s, Mack shifted focus to providing chassis to other manufacturers specializing in fire apparatus. Fire trucks built on Mack chassis continue to be utilized by fire departments throughout North America and internationally.

AC

Introduced in 1916, the heavy-duty AC model initiated Mack's iconic bulldog branding with its uniquely tapered hood design. Equipped with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 4X2 chain drive, it was engineered for durability on challenging terrain. Over 6,000 trucks ranging from - to -ton capacities were produced for military use during World War I in the UK and US, alongside commercial sales targeting logging and construction industries. The larger AP version (1926–1938) supported major projects such as Boulder Dam. Production ceased in 1939 after manufacturing 40,299 units.

N Series

Mack's inaugural military design, the N Series featured large 6 and -ton 6X6 artillery prime movers developed in the late 1930s. Due to shifting US military requirements, domestic deployment was limited; most NMs and NOs were exported under foreign aid programs. Following WWII, the NO model evolved into the highly successful M 123 semi-tractor.

B series

Serving as Mack's principal vehicle line from 1953 to 1966, the B series ranged from medium-duty B20P gasoline-powered 4X2 trucks to heavy-duty B873SX turbo-diesel 6X6 variants. These vehicles were widely employed as semi tractors and in construction roles, with some adapted as fire engines featuring modified cabs. Total output reached 127,786 units.

R/RB/RD/RL/RM/RW, U, DM/DMM series

Beginning in 1966, Mack produced the R series (including R, RW, U) tailored for highway use alongside RD, DM, RM, and DMM models designed for construction purposes. The lightweight RL model was introduced in 1967; the RW Superliner debuted in 1977 featuring an enlarged hood and grille; the setback front axle RB appeared during the 1990s. These models shared a standardized cab design; however, U, DM, and DMM variants had offset cabs.

During the 1990s, production of R, RW, and U series was phased out in favor of the RB model optimized for severe-duty applications. Manufacturing concluded by 2006 with the DM being the final unit of this lineup. The Granite series (Granite Bridge-Formula and Granite Axle-back) was launched subsequently to replace construction-focused models.

This family of trucks notably serves within the Mexican Army as troop carriers and utility vehicles configured in either 6X6 or 6X4 drivetrains.

Engines

By 1916, Mack was manufacturing gasoline engines with 4 and 6 cylinders and maintained production of its own inline six-cylinder diesel engines until 2014. Customers could also select optional powerplants from well-known suppliers such as Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, and Scania.

Diesel engine production at Mack commenced in 1938, with the introduction of the highly regarded END and turbocharged ENDT 673 inline six-cylinder diesels in 1957. This series of engines remained in continuous manufacture for over three decades.

During the early 1960s, Walter May, Mack’s executive vice president overseeing product and engineering at the Allentown headquarters, emphasized research and development focused on a high-torque rise engine. Under the leadership of chief engineer Winton Pelizzoni, the Maxidyne engine was developed, debuting as an inline six in 1966, followed by a V8 variant in 1970, and later an intercooled inline six 300 series in 1973. The Maxidyne’s extensive operating range—from initially 1200 to 2100 RPM, later adjusted to 1050 to 1700 RPM—enabled Class 8 trucks to function efficiently using a simpler 5-speed transmission, thereby reducing complexity compared to competitors’ transmissions with multiple gears.

As of 2014, Mack provided three main engine lines: the 11-liter MP7, the 13-liter MP8, and the 16-liter MP10. These engines delivered horsepower ranging from to , with torque figures spanning to , reinforcing Mack’s strong position within the heavy-duty truck segment.

Other products

From 1905 through 1930, Mack expanded its manufacturing portfolio to include railroad cars and locomotives, producing several railbus models and thereby broadening its industrial reach beyond trucking alone.

Trademark

The iconic bulldog emblem is featured on nearly every Mack truck, representing strength and resilience. Trucks outfitted entirely with Mack drivetrain components—including engine, transmission, and axles—are distinguished by a gold-plated bulldog badge.

The "Bulldog" nickname originated during World War I when British troops utilized the Mack AC truck for frontline supply missions. Its ruggedness and dependability reminded soldiers of the British Bulldog mascot. The emblem first appeared in 1921 on AB chain drive models and was officially adopted as the corporate logo in 1922.

Leadership

Mack leader Dates of service
John M. Mack 1900 to 1905 and 1909 to October 17, 1911
Otto Mears April 29, 1905, to January 9, 1906
Jacob Sulzbach January 9, 1906, to January 8, 1907
Thomas Rush January 8, 1907, to December 8, 1908
Charles P. Coleman October 17, 1911, to June 13, 1913
John Calder June to October 1913
Vernon Munroe October 22, 1913, to May 23, 1917
Alfred J. Brosseau May 15, 1917, to September 24, 1936
Emil C. Fink January 28, 1937, to January 1, 1943
Charles T. Ruhf August 5, 1943, to June 6, 1949
Edwin D. Bransome June 6, 1949, to January 11, 1955
Peter O. Peterson January 11, 1955, to December 31, 1958
Christian A. Johnson Acting President from 1958 to 1962
Nicholas Dykstra July 20, 1961 to September 1, 1962
C. Rhoades McBride September 7, 1962 to January 6, 1965
Zenon C.R. Hansen January 7, 1965 to January 28, 1972
Henry J. Nave January 28, 1972 to January 1, 1976
Alfred W. Pelletier January 1, 1976 to July 21, 1980
John B. Curcio July 21, 1980 to 1989
Ralph Reins From1989 to1990
Elios Pascual Serving between1990 and1995
Pierre Jocou March 1, 1995 to November29 ,1996
Michel Gigou December1 ,1996 to July1 ,2001
Paul Vikner July1 ,2001 to April1 ,2008
Dennis Slagle April1 ,2008 to January1 ,2012; March1 ,2016 to May31 ,2018
Kevin Flaherty January1 ,2012 to January1 ,2014
Stephen Roy January1 ,2014 to March1 ,2016; June1 ,2023 to present
Martin Weissburg June1 ,2018 to October1 ,2023


World War II

Throughout the Second World War, Mack manufactured more than 35,000 robust military trucks, predominantly intended for export via the Lend-Lease program. These vehicles were unique Mack designs rather than standard issue by the US Army.

The EH series originated from a commercial five-ton (4,500 kg) 4x2 truck platform modified for military deployment in Europe. This lineup included variants such as the EHU cabover and the semi-tractor models EHT and EHUT, with production exceeding 2,400 units in 1942.

The LMSW model was based on a commercial ten-ton (9,070 kg) 6x4 chassis adapted into military wreckers, mainly supplied to Great Britain.

The NJU (G-639) series consisted of five-ton (5,450 kg) 4x4 semi-tractors designed for towing bridge equipment. Production was limited to approximately 700 units from 1941 to 1942, largely due to overlap with standardized trucks from other manufacturers.

The NM (G-535) and NO (G-532) series served as six-ton (5,443 kg) and seven-and-a-half-ton (6,800 kg) 6x6 artillery prime movers, respectively. Manufacturing spanned from 1940 to 1944, producing over 8,400 NMs and around 2,000 NOs, primarily distributed as foreign aid.

The NR series were ten-ton (5,440 kg) 6x4 cargo trucks tailored for British operations in North Africa. Powered by Mack ED diesel engines for enhanced long-distance reliability, more than 15,000 units were assembled between 1940 and 1944.

Post World War II

Following World War II, Mack's military vehicle output significantly decreased.

The M39 (G-744) series featured a standardized 5-ton (4,540 kg) 6x6 chassis with various configurations, including the M54 cargo truck. Mack developed an alternative design and produced a limited quantity of M51 dump trucks. In the early 1960s, the company contributed to upgrading some models with END 672 engines.

The M123 and M125 (G-792) were standardized semi-tractor and artillery prime mover models with a 10-ton (9,070 kg) 6x6 configuration. Designed by Mack utilizing components from the NO series, production between 1955 and 1957 included 392 M123 units for tank recovery and all 552 M125 units. Subsequent contracts covered an additional 420 M123 trucks along with retrofitting 210 vehicles with Cummins powerplants.

In Popular Culture

Five Mack RS700 series trucks from the 1970s alongside a Cruise Liner COE appeared in the movie Convoy, starring Kris Kristofferson and Ali MacGraw.

In the animated series King of the Hill, the character Dale Gribble is recognizable by his orange Mack cap, which was later replaced by a Bass Pro Shops hat in the show's revival.

The music video for Bananarama's 1980s hit "Cruel Summer" prominently showcases a red Mack truck.

In Cars, Mack is portrayed as an animated version of a 1985 Mack Super-Liner, voiced by John Ratzenberger—whose father drove a Mack truck delivering oil. During the "Disney/Pixar Road Trip '06" promotional event, "Mack" was represented by a customized 2006 CH Rawhide hauling a Pontiac Trans Am designed as "Lightning."

CEO Denny Slagle was featured on CBS' Undercover Boss in 2011, emphasizing his pivotal role in guiding company strategy.

See also

External links

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