Starting in September, Mack Trucks will move production of its entire highway product line from its New River Valley, Va., plant to Macungie, Pa., where the company's construction and refuse trucks are built.

Because of the economic downturn, the move will result in cuts in Virginia and will not involve adding personnel in Pennsylvania. However, the company expects to support the increased production there by reducing the number of down weeks. The company says the consolidation is part of an effort to increase efficiency.

The consolidation is part of a company-wide reorganization plan, which was announced last August.

According to a letter sent to employees by Mack President and CEO Denny Slagle and Volvo Trucks North American President and CEO Per Carlsson, the plan is to complete the move by the end of November. This timing also will allow the company to introduce the new selective catalytic reduction technology to meet 2010 emissions standards in a single facility, the executives said.

At the Macungie facility, Mack will decrease the number of down weeks. While there will be fewer employees in New River Valley, the facility will still produce Volvo Trucks North America's product line. Mack would not specify how many would be cut.

The transfer should be completed by the end of November.