Allentown, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, has announced that $47 million in programmatic funding has been secured for the construction of the Mack Defense M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs). This announcement follows the signing of the 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act by President Trump. Congressman Mackenzie advocated on behalf of this programmatic request throughout the appropriations process, personally rallying support for the investment.

Produced locally in Allentown, PA, Mack Defense’s HDT line supports 50 high-skilled local jobs. Mack Defense has manufactured over 500 of the M917A3 HDTS, helping to provide robust, modern logistical support for the U.S. Military. This latest investment will enable the Allentown facility to meet the minimum sustainment rate for continued operations, ensuring this vital line and its experienced employees are able to continue their critical work.

“Locally manufactured heavy dump trucks are essential to meeting the U.S. Military’s 21st century logistical needs,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “We’re proud to have secured this critical investment, which will continue to support our national defense, domestic supply lines, and local manufacturing jobs. This appropriation will ensure that our highly skilled technicians in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos can continue providing superior equipment to our armed forces.”

“Congressman Mackenzie’s efforts throughout the 2026 defense budget appropriations process were instrumental in ensuring the M917A3 HDTs will continue to be built and serve all branches of the U.S. Army’s need for a modern, commercial-based dump truck,” said Mack Defense president David Hartzell.

“The UAW has a long history of building the highest quality Mack vehicles for the U.S. armed forces,” said Dave Durgin, president of the UAW Bus, Engine and Truck Council and shop chair of the UAW Local 677 Office and Engineering Units. “Congressman Mackenzie’s strong advocacy for Mack on government funding and tariff issues has helped retain jobs for our local workforce and build on this legacy.”

Learn more about the M917AC HDT HERE.

Information provided to TVL by:
Arnaud Armstrong