Freightliner has announced that it is closing its day cab reconfiguring operation in Tooele, Utah. Shutdown of the plant will occur in phases through October and early November of this year. The first of its kind, the Tooele Reconfigured Day Cab operation started in 2000 amid decreasing sleeper cab values and a shortage of used day cabs; the 80,000-square foot facility was dedicated to refurbishing and reconfiguring used heavy-duty vehicles.
Using state-of-the art manufacturing technology, the plant transformed used sleeper cabs into the industry’s first OEM Reconfigured Day Cabs, and the product was marketed by Freightliner Market Development Corp., the division responsible for used truck remarketing and the SelecTrucks brand. Now, Freightliner is discontinuing day cab reconfiguration because of improved resale values of used trucks, an increased demand for used sleeper cabs and a more balanced availability of as-built day cabs.
“The used truck industry has changed since we started the Reconfigured Day Cab manufacturing operation, and our customers now indicate a stronger need for long-haul trucks,” says Rich Ferguson, president of FMDC. “We intend to channel our supply of used sleeper cabs directly to the market, as opposed to reconfiguring them. In addition, we will continue to support our loyal Reconfigured Day Cab customers by maintaining diverse inventory of quality used as-built day cabs.”
Freightliner said it would work with local organizations, the Utah Department of Workforce Services and temp agencies to help employees find other jobs.
