The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The company employs nearly 100,000 people, has production facilities in 18 countries and sells its products in more than 190 markets. Greensboro, North Carolina is home to Volvo Group North America’s corporate headquarters, as well as the global and North American headquarters for Volvo Financial Services and Mack Trucks. In addition to administrative offices, this campus houses a one-mile oval test track and a state-of-the-art research and development technology center where trucks are designed, developed and tested. Volvo Group North America also operates a Dex Heavy Duty Truck Parts facility in Advance, and a Volvo Group Remanufacturing plant in Charlotte.

In 2016, Volvo Group North America was directly responsible for providing more than 2,600 jobs and $233.6 million in wages and salaries to North Carolina residents, while generating $1.3 billion in economic output in the state. When combined with the company’s indirect and induced economic activity, Volvo Group North America supported more than 17,200 jobs, $985.9 million in wages and salaries and over $3.5 billion in economic output in the state of North Carolina in 2016. This economic activity also generated a total of approximately $96.8 million in additional state and local tax revenue in North Carolina in 2016. While Volvo Group North America continues to thrive, the trucking industry is facing significant workforce challenges, particularly around a shortage in diesel technicians. This shortage of qualified workers has delayed repair times and increased shipping costs, putting a strain on the industry.

While Volvo Group North America does not operate any dealerships or service centers in North Carolina, it is important to the company that the customers who purchase their trucks have access to timely and necessary repairs. For that reason, Volvo Group North America has partnered with community colleges across the country to launch the Automotive Service Excellence accredited program to recruit and train diesel technicians. Since the program’s launch, Volvo Group North America has helped train more than 300 diesel technicians and continues to expand the program.

Modern logistics is an essential component of North Carolina’s competitive economy. If we’re to keep our goods and people moving, solving the industry’s workforce challenges is vital. While Volvo Group North America is developing tomorrow’s public transportation solutions, the company is tackling the industry’s skills gap head-on.