Mack Defense will continue to build the U.S. Army’s M917A3 heavy dump truck (HDT).
The manufacturer has been awarded a new five-year contract to build up to 450 trucks, with a total value of up to $221.8 million.
The deal follows the successful fulfillment of the initial contract awarded in 2018 and comes after the company completed production of its 500th M917A3 HDT in March.
“This contract represents continued confidence in our ability to deliver mission-critical vehicles to the U.S. Army,” said Mack Defense President David Hartzell.
The M917A3 HDT is a commercial-based truck modified to meet the requirements of the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
“This new contract award is a testament to the commitment of our team, which includes our supplier partners, as well as to the robust capabilities of this heavy tactical vehicle platform,” Hartzell said. “We look forward to building and delivering more reliable, high-performance trucks that meet the demanding needs of our soldiers.”
The contract ensures continued production of the M917A3 HDTs, which support the United States military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. These vehicles are used in the construction and upkeep of airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools and in disaster relief for areas affected by severe weather.
Based on the commercially available Mack Granite model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Centre in Allentown, Pa.
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The specialized production facility has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5-million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and workforce of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley production operations in Macungie, Pa.
“From day one, we’ve worked hard to foster a transparent, collaborative relationship — one that has helped ensure this program remains on track, on time and aligned with the Army’s evolving needs,” said Derik Beck, Senior Director of Sales, Marketing and Business Development at Mack Defense.
“We are also proud to continue working closely with the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserve and the various U.S. National Guard adjutants general, whose ongoing support has been essential to the program’s success. As we move into the next phase, we’re committed to maintaining that level of engagement while also looking to our congressional stakeholders for sustained support. This program is not only vital to Army readiness but also to preserving critical manufacturing jobs and capabilities within our U.S. industrial base.”
The M917A3 HDTs are equipped with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military. The vehicles also feature advanced technology, including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.
The M917A3 heavy dump truck is an essential asset to the Army’s Engineer Regiment, providing the mobility and durability needed to complete critical construction and infrastructure missions in diverse operational environments.
