In another good sign for 2026 new equipment demand, Detroit Diesel announced this week it will add a third shift at its Detroit-area manufacturing plant.
Detroit Diesel will recall laid off United Auto Workers (UAW) associates and hire more associates to fill the shift.
DTNA cites growing demand for Detroit products in expanding the Redford Township facility’s workforce.
“The decision to reinstate our previous shift model for Heavy-Duty Engine Platform (HDEP) assembly in Detroit reflects our planned response to growing demand for Detroit powertrain products,” the company told TPS Friday. “Detroit, our powertrain brand and a leading U.S. manufacturer of heavy-duty engines and commercial vehicle components, recently introduced its new Gen 6 engine portfolio, which is fully compliant with EPA’s 2027 emissions standards.
“Following last year’s slowdown in the heavy‑duty truck market, increased truck volumes and strong customer preference for our integrated Detroit engines, axles and transmissions are driving this ramp-up.”
DTNA also notes all Detroit engines, transmissions and axles are built at its Redford Township facility, which also houses DTNA’s component R&D department. DTNA had previously announced in December 2024 a $285 million investment in the facility with plans to add up to 400 jobs.
“Every Detroit engine, axle and transmission built in Detroit is offered exclusively in Freightliner and Western Star trucks,” the company says. “Expanding production capacity ensures we continue delivering the quality, technology and performance our customers expect.”
The UAW cited the 25% tariff on imported heavy trucks and parts as its believed reason for the labor increase, with UAW President Shawn Fain stating, “strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.”
DTNA downplayed the tariff aspect to its ramp up in its message to TPS.
“We continue to monitor the evolving trade environment. While tariffs can introduce complexity into cross-border logistics, we maintain contingency plans to minimize potential disruptions and ensure timely delivery of vehicles across the U.S., Mexico and Canada,” the company states.
“Daimler Truck North America maintains a strong U.S. manufacturing footprint, with major facilities across multiple states. Our production strategy includes built‑in flexibility to respond to market conditions, though such adjustments require thoughtful planning and alignment of resources.”
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The company also referenced its supply chain and desire to expand within the Detroit area its 2024 investment announcement.
Matt Pfaffenbach, DTNA vice president of powertrain operations, said at the time the investment was “about more than just innovation; it’s about creating job opportunities and upskilling our workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow’s technology, while helping to stabilize the heavy-duty supply chain.
“This transformative project will propel us into a new era of manufacturing excellence while strengthening our role in the industry and bringing significant growth to the community we call home.”
