When you consider that
Mack Trucks found a way to use less fuel and meet federal emissions standards, it shouldn't come as a surprise that they're selling more vehicles.
Mack is one of the top makers of the tractor-trailers that roam the highways. Its
Pinnacle model comes with a fuel-efficient, clean-running engine that meets the current
federal standards for near-zero emissions from heavy trucks. "This might be the first time in history that we've been able to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy," company spokesman John Walsh says. He says the trucks generally get 5 percent better fuel economy than previous models, although it's hard to measure exactly because the trucks come in various sizes. Among other features, customers can choose whether they want a truck with a cab for sleeping and how large that cab will be.
Increased demand for the Pinnacle model means Mack is adding another shift at its plant, which currently employs about 1,000 people. The company hopes to hire another 300 people by August. Walsh adds that these will all be new workers. Another 185 people have been hired at the plant since October, including some who were brought back after having been laid off.
Source: John Walsh, Mack Trucks
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen