Oct. 1 – Freightliner plans to invest $40 million in its Gastonia Parts Manufacturing Plant over the next three years. The plant produces parts for four Freightliner truck and chassis manufacturing plants, American LaFrance fire trucks, the Mercedes-Benz Mexico truck plant and distribution centers throughout North America.
As part of the investment, there will be a 9,000-square-foot plant expansion and increase in the capacity of Gastonia’s power plant. The addition is under way and scheduled for completion early next year. The increased power capacity will support new and expanded technology including eight presses, three lasers and a second E-Kote system.
The $1.6 million laser welding system is the first of its kind in the world, according to Freightliner.