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Inflation Reduction Act creates 295 union jobs at Lehigh Valley Mack Trucks facility

By Sean Kitchen

July 16, 2024

Sen. Bob Casey announced last week that Volvo Mack Trucks in the Lehigh Valley received $208 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to produce zero-emission vehicles. It’ll create 295 union-paying jobs.

Hundreds of union jobs are coming to the Lehigh Valley thanks to President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

US Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) announced last week that Volvo Mack Trucks received a $208 million grant to help support zero-emission vehicle manufacturing at the Macungie plant and create 295 union jobs in the process. 

“Pennsylvania manufacturing has always formed the backbone of our Nation. This funding will boost Volvo Mack Trucks’ Lehigh Valley production, create good-paying, union jobs, and pave the way for our clean energy future,” Casey said in a statement.

“I fought to bring clean energy investments to Pennsylvania, and I will keep fighting to make sure we keep these investments coming.”

Volvo Mack Trucks’ funding comes from the Domestic Manufacturing Conversion grant program created by the IRA. Volvo Mack Trucks hopes to be 100% fossil fuels free by 2040 and the money will help support the company’s five-year plan to convert the plant to produce zero emission vehicles. 

The plant employs over 7,900 United Auto Workers members and the project has the backing of the union. 

“Mack Trucks is a uniquely American brand and a model of the manufacturing excellence the Lehigh Valley is known for,” Congresswoman Susan Wild said in a statement.

“I have always made it my mission to support our local manufacturers and the union workers that build Made in America goods for our community – and our country. I’m thrilled to have helped secure this funding, which will not only help Mack meet the moment and revitalize their day-to-day operations, but will retain and create thousands of good-paying, union jobs.”

 

Author

  • Sean Kitchen

    Sean Kitchen is the Keystone’s political correspondent, based in Harrisburg. Sean is originally from Philadelphia and spent five years working as a writer and researcher for Pennsylvania Spotlight.

CATEGORIES: LABOR

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