Kolman’s Komments: That’s some place you’ve got there

I recently toured Volvo Group Trucks’ powertrain facility that is located in Hagerstown, Md.

Hagerstown – founded in 1762 by Jonathan Hager, a gunsmith, fur trader, farmer and politician – sits at the crossroads of interstates I-70 and I-81 and serves as a gateway to the Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area.

The facility develops and manufactures all of Volvo’s heavy duty diesel engines, transmission and axles.

A few interesting facts about the facility:

- It covers 1.5 million sq. ft. That is the length of 34 football fields.

- Over the past several years, more than $350 million has been invested to improve operations.

- There are eight test cells for emissions compliance.

- Test engines are donated to vocational schools.

- Certifications include ISO 9001 for quality management. ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 50001 for energy management.

- It has earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s Superior Energy Performance platinum level.

A variety of photos from inside the facility are included in this blog.