| Mack Trucks
Three Mack brothers, John M., Augustus F. & William C. Mack started manufacturing the Mack bus in Brooklyn, New York in 1900. In 1902, they established the Mack Brothers Company. The company introduced its products brandishing the name Manhattan in 1904. In 1905 Allentown, PA is selected as the headquarters and home to the main manufacturing facilities. A fourth Mack brother, Joseph Mack, joins the clan as a stockholder. Mack begins to make rail cars and locomotives. In 1909 a junior model 1-1/2 ton truck is introduced and the following year the Manhattan brand is switched to Mack Trucks. Also in 1910, Mack Brothers delivered the first motorized hook and ladder firetruck to Morristown, NJ and a fifth Mack brother, Charles Mack, joined the company. In 1911 the company is sold, but it continues operating as Mack Trucks. John and Joseph Mack leave the company in 1912. Mack becomes the first manufacturer to use air cleaners and oil filters on their trucks in 1918. Mack Trucks are first to equip their trucks with power brakes in 1920. In 1922 Mack makes the bulldog the company's corporate symbol and in 1932 the Bulldog becomes a hood ornament on Mack trucks. In 1938 Mack Trucks is the first company to produce its own heavy-duty diesel engines. Mack Trucks, Inc. bought Brockway Motor Company in 1956. In 1967 Mack Trucks became a part of the Signal Oil and Gas Company. Later that year Signal changes its name to The Signal Companies, Inc. Renault bought 10% of Mack Trucks, Inc., in 1979. In 1982 Renault increases its stake in the company to 20%, while Signal lowers its stake. In 1983 Mack Trucks does a 15.7 million share IPO of common stock and Renault increases its holdings to 40%, while Signal reduces its stake to 10.3%. Renault reorganizes in 1987 and Renault Véhicules Industriels buys Renault's Mack shares. Renault Véhicules Industriels aqcuired Mack Trucks as a wholly owned subsidiary In 1990. In 2001 Volvo AB of Sweden aquired Mack along with Renault Véhicules Industriels and the parent company Renault S. A. receives a 20% stake in the combined company. In 2002 Renault Véhicules Industriels changes its name to Renault Trucks. Throughout its history, Mack made several innovations not only in the truck industry but also innovations in its fire fighting equipment which is noted for having saved many lives.
http://www.macktrucks.com/
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