The New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Va., which assembles vehicles for Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks, announced plans to reduce employment by about 1,000 positions during the first quarter of 2007. The reductions are expected to occur incrementally over the first quarter of 2007, with the first reduction expected in January.
“This is a difficult decision, but one that’s unavoidable,” said Jan Stromberg, vice president and general manager of the NRV plant. “We regret the impact this action will have on our people and the New River Valley community, and we are committed to working with the affected employees to assist them in this difficult transition.”
The work force reductions are the result of an expected industrywide decline in demand for heavy-duty vehicles, driven primarily by many customers’ desire to delay purchasing trucks equipped with the emissions technologies necessary to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s new emissions standards, which go into effect Jan. 1.
Employees were informed of the plans Friday, Nov. 7, and officials at the plant said they will work with the appropriate state and local agencies to develop plans for assisting the employees who will be affected. The NRV plant currently employs about 3,170 people.
