Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced that it will close its Rokbak articulated hauler business and concentrate resources on its portfolio of other hauling solutions.
Volvo CE says the decision to close Motherwell, Scotland-based manufacturer Rokbak is part of a long-term strategic shift and due to the unsustainable profitability of the Rokbak business.
Rokbak – formerly Terex Trucks – has delivered off-highway articulated haulers to customers worldwide for more than four decades. However, Volvo CE says that rising operational and supply chain costs, combined with global trade challenges, including US tariffs, have significantly impacted financial performance, making continued operation unsustainable.
Volvo CE says it remains committed to the ongoing success of Rokbak customers and partners, and providing dedicated support throughout this phase-out and into the future.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal Rokbak customers, dealers, dedicated employees, and supportive partners who have been part of this journey,” said Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE. “Our priority is to honor our commitments and deliver ongoing comprehensive support to Rokbak customers and partners.”
The Volvo CE Motherwell facility will continue to focus on the development of rigid haulers.
Volvo CE adds that it will concentrate resources on advancing and launching innovative hauling solutions. The Motherwell facility in Scotland will continue as a key hub for designing and manufacturing Volvo rigid haulers and will drive development of future product lines.
Dedicated support will be available, and customers and dealers will continue to receive aftermarket services support throughout the transition and into the future. A core Rokbak team will remain in place to deliver aftermarket services, including parts, sales, technical support and training.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our entire company, our valued employees, and our loyal customers and partners,” said Paul Douglas, managing director of Rokbak. “We are extremely grateful for all the support we’ve received over the years. Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition, providing ongoing support to our fantastic team, customers and partners, and honouring our commitments.”
In 2014, the Volvo Group acquired the off-road product line from Terex Trucks and established a new division within Volvo CE. After seven years of investment, the Rokbak brand was launched in September 2021 with the RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers.
“Our haulers are designed and built in Scotland and loaded with generations of experience and pride,” said Douglas. “When we launched the Rokbak brand, it was a hit worldwide and embraced by our team, customers and dealer partners. The trucks became known and loved for their reliability, durability and uptime. This makes it even harder to announce our plans to close the business, but despite extensive efforts, ongoing operations have unfortunately become unsustainable.”
The Rokbak closure is subject to the completion of a collective consultation process, which is expected to conclude by quarter 3, 2026.
Volvo CE says it will work closely with unions, government representatives and regulatory bodies to ensure a responsible and supportive transition for employees impacted by this decision.
