Chassis will be fitted with dry freight, refrigerated or platform bodies by third parties such as Morgan Truck Body LLC. Because the vehicles are easily maneuverable, they’re commonly used to deliver a variety of items, ranging from appliances to seafood.

“This groundbreaking underscores our strong commitment to the North American market,” says Noboru Murakami, chairman and CEO of Isuzu North America Corp. “With this new plant, we are getting closer to our customers and the market, strengthening our ability to serve them, and investing in the future. Our new facility will create jobs, contribute to the local economy, and provide a foundation for long-term growth and success.”

According to Murakami, Isuzu’s U.S. investment strategy will extend beyond the new factory. For instance, it plans to increase its sourcing of parts from domestic suppliers.

The factory will be the first in the Isuzu Group to use an assembly line without conveyors or pits, which should help operators easily switch between ICE and EV production. Engineers will use a variable-model, variable-volume production system that can respond to fluctuating demand for different types of power train configurations.

To establish a quality assurance system for all processes, Murakami says the facility will “automate inspections to eliminate operational errors, ensure traceability of parts, and introduce image inspections and other methods to prevent any outflow of defective products.”

Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling, low-cab forward trucks in America every year since 1986. Its vehicles are currently assembled at a plant in Charlotte, MI, that is operated by Shyft Group Inc., a contract manufacturer.