Daimler Truck Layoffs at Mount Holly Plant
Daimler Truck is set to lay off 573 employees at its Mount Holly manufacturing facility and services center on Friday. Employees will receive pay through September 9 for their work at this plant, known primarily for producing Freightliner trucks.
Temporary Layoff Information
The mass layoff due to reduced truck manufacturing is currently expected to be temporary, though the exact duration remains uncertain, as indicated in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification submitted to the state.
Employee Rights and Benefits
Employees represented by the United Auto Workers at the plant have bumping rights and are eligible for layoff benefits as per the collective bargaining agreement. This agreement ensures salary continuation through September 9, along with coverage of COBRA healthcare premiums for two months on top of the six-month provision outlined in the agreement.
Workforce Composition
Of those affected by the layoffs, over 77%—approximately 445 individuals—are classified as truck assemblers. The Mount Holly facility was established in 1979 and had around 2,000 employees last year, according to union representatives.
Company Overview
Located about 10 miles west of Charlotte in Gaston County, the plant produces not only Freightliner trucks but also e-coated cabs for Western Star vehicles manufactured at the Cleveland Truck Plant in Rowan County, which employs around 2,000 staff. Additionally, a Freightliner parts plant in Gastonia provides jobs for about 1,000 workers.
Daimler’s Presence in North Carolina
Daimler is the largest manufacturing employer in Gaston County and ranks as the third-largest employer overall, following CaroMont Health and Gaston County Schools. The company, along with its affiliates—Daimler Trucks North America, Thomas Built Buses, and SelecTrucks of America—operates five sites across North Carolina, employing nearly 7,000 workers statewide, according to the United Auto Workers union.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
In May, Daimler Truck Financial Services announced a $7.8 million investment to establish its headquarters in Charlotte, a move projected to create 276 new positions. Commercial truck sales saw a 6.5% decline during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling 105,640 units, as reported by ACT Research. Economic conditions have led to a weakening demand for commercial trucks, further complicated by trade tariffs, raising concerns among industry analysts about future sales forecasts.
