International to build diesel engine plant in Alabama

International Truck and Engine Corporation, the principal operating subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation, on October 25 announced it will build new, modern Class 8 “big-bore” diesel engines in Huntsville, Ala. The new engines, the largest in the MaxxForce family of commercial-truck diesel engines, will be built at a new assembly plant in Huntsville. The investment cost is not being disclosed.

More than 175 employees are expected to work at the new facility. Full production at Huntsville will begin in spring 2008. Initial engines will be partially assembled in Germany and finished and trimmed in Huntsville and will be available beginning in fall 2007.

The new facility will be an assembly only operation. Core engine components will be sourced globally from suppliers and shipped to the plant.

“Huntsville was selected to produce these new ‘big-bore’ truck diesel engines because of our strong workforce in Huntsville and its clear track record of building high-quality engines at a competitive cost,” said Dan Ustian, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Navistar International Corporation.

“These new Class 8 truck diesel engines are big news,” said Alabama Governor Bob Riley, who made the announcement with International officials in Huntsville. “The State of Alabama is proud to be a part of this. Today truly is a terrific day for Alabama, Huntsville and International Truck and Engine Corporation.”

Branded MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13, the engines are an Inline 6-cylinder big-bore design in the 11- to 13-liter displacement class. The engines will serve the Class 8 truck market, which is the largest commercial truck segment in North America.