McNeilus adds collection truck production capacity

McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., a Dodge Center, Minnesota-based waste and recycling collection vehicle manufacturer and business unit of Oshkosh Corp., has expanded its side-loader refuse and recycling collection vehicle production line.

The expansion includes modernization at the Dodge Center facility, which the company says marks a major step forward in product innovation, operational efficiency and customer-focused growth.

McNeilus calls the upgraded side-loader manufacturing line its second high-flow manufacturing line there, following the launch of a high-flow rear loader line in 2023.

“Our side-loader line has seen tremendous demand, and with this expansion we’ve added the capacity to meet that demand while working to create a safe and efficient manufacturing environment,” says Lee Dreas, vice president and general manager of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing.

“By introducing smart technology and reimagining our processes, we’ve built a foundation that supports the success of our team members and the customers we serve. It’s a win-win and delivers quality products at the scale the industry needs.”

The recent project involved stripping the plant down to bare concrete, repainting inside and out, installing robotic paint systems and integrating McNeilus' advanced Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

The MES has been designed to digitally capture and track every build stage, providing end-to-end traceability and enabling consistent, repeatable quality, according to the truckmaker.

McNeilus says the redesign “simplifies assembly around the truck and mirrors the sophistication of leading automotive plants.”

The firm says the expansion aligns closely with its commitment to the waste collection industry, including a focus on “delivering a full suite of side-loader offerings, each designed for strength, innovation and adaptability.”