North America ‘cornerstone of Volvo CE’s global plan’, says company president

The Volvo Group has used its international press conference at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibition in Las Vegas to highlight how its extensive manufacturing, technology, distribution and sales organizations in the US are well positioned to support customers in North America long-term.

“The Volvo Group is well invested in North America,” said Volvo CE president and member of Executive Board – Group, Martin Weissburg. “Volvo CE alone has a major manufacturing, technology and sales hub based in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. This production center, coupled with a regional completion center for excavators and haulers in Savannah, Georgia, means that we are well positioned to quickly supply contractors with high quality, innovative and productive equipment.” 

2016: a strong finish to the year

Mr. Weissburg concentrated much of his presentation, held on March 8th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, on discussing global market developments and the highlights of the company’s participation at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. He explained how Volvo CE enjoyed a strong end to 2016, with sales up 20% and machine deliveries up 19%. “These encouraging results were delivered thanks to a combination of a more favorable product mix, higher volumes, reduced operating expenses and a more stable credit environment in China,” commented Mr. Weissburg.

The speech highlighted how Volvo CE is continuing to respond to the industry’s shift to larger capacity products, launching at CONEXPO-CON/AGG its all-new wheel loader flagship – the 50 tonne class L350H, which features a raft of new technology and a striking new design. Alongside the launches of the EC750E heavy duty excavator and the A60H – at 60 tonnes payload, the industry’s largest articulated hauler – the company is well placed to serve customers involved in major earthmoving operations, commented Mr. Weissburg.

From laboratory to work site

The Volvo CE portion of the press conference closed with a focus on innovation and the growth of integrated machine services. Mr. Weissburg highlighted some of the advanced research the company is undertaking – such as the Electric Site Project that aims to electrify the transport stage of quarrying operations – and how this research is being delivered in real world services today. Mr. Weissburg explained the range of services and solutions now offered by Volvo CE, and the value they deliver for customers’ operations and businesses. He also unveiled the latest in the ‘Assist’ machine control systems – which now includes Dig Assist, Load Assist and Compact Assist, Haul Assist and Pave Assist.

The strength of the Volvo Group

Following his presentation, Mr. Weissburg was joined on stage by Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta, who described the highlights of Volvo Penta’s exhibit at the show.