Mack Trucks Australia has delivered the 80,000th Wacol-built truck to WA-based mining logistics giant MLG.
The largest chunk of those Australian-built trucks are of course Volvos, but MLG is a worthy recipient of the milestone rig, a 300-tonne rated 685hp Mack Titan that will be put to work as a part of the bulk haulage fleet.
The MLG fleet consists of over 140 trucks, with more than 50 per cent per cent being the bulldog brand.
Operating at sites across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the trucks operate anywhere between 50-150 kilometres at weights of 200-300 tonne, predominantly delivering ore from open pit to operating plants.
The company took delivery of its first Mack, a 170-tonne rated Titan, from Truck Centre WA in 2014 and it’s still working in the MLG fleet.
“We specialise in a key set of services, but a large part of what we do is bulk haulage,” said Murray Leahy, managing director at MLG.
“Uptime, efficiency and productivity are critical to our operations, and the Mack brand has played a key part in keeping our wheels turning over the last decade.
“That we can depend upon Australian-made products to service our customers 24/7 in the dirt, dust, heat and flies is a testament to the local knowledge, skill and dedication of the engineers at Wacol.”
Darren Cowan, acting vice president, Mack Trucks Australia, said he is proud of the partnership with MLG which exemplifies the application excellence achievable through local manufacturing.
“Engineering trucks that are 100 per cent customisable ensures that every Mack truck is completely fit for task; in this case, tackling the challenges of operating high GCM road trains in remote parts of Australia,” he said.
Volvo Group’s production facility in Wacol has been in operation for 52 years, employing over 700 staff and engaging with around 120 local suppliers.
“The culture of Volvo Group is one of pride and passion; we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to acknowledge our engineers and technicians for their contribution in achieving this incredible milestone,” added Martin Merrick, president and CEO of Volvo Group Australia.
“World class manufacturing is alive and well here in Australia and I’m extremely proud to see this Mack Titan delivered to such a valued business partner.”