Volvo CE to shutter Rokbak ADT business

A brand with deep history dating back to the 1930s will see its last articulated hauler roll off the assembly line in Motherwell, Scotland, later in 2026. Volvo CE has decided to shutter the Rokbak business, subject to a consultation process, citing rising costs and global trade challenges — including U.S. tariffs — which Volvo says have made the operation unsustainable.

Rokbak's rich legacy of off-road truck production in Scotland

Rokbak has a long industry, best-known as Terex Trucks from 1968-2021, that dates back to the Euclid brand. Founded in Euclid, Ohio, the company introduced the world's first off-highway rear dump truck, the Euclid 1Z, in 1934.

In the 1950s, Euclid spun off a new company, Euclid Great Britain, and the factory for off-road haulers was established in Motherwell. Euclid Corporation was sold to GM in 1953 and that ownership lasted until 1959 when GM was forced to divest of the Euclid brand after an anti-trust lawsuit brought by the U.S. justice department.

GM began producing Euclid-style haul trucks under a new brand, Terex, in 1968. Ownership of Terex changed hands several times in the 1980s, and, in 1982, the first Terex articulated dump truck, the 3204, was produced at the Motherwell factory.

Volvo CE purchased Terex Trucks in 2014 and revealed the Rokbak rebranding in 2021 with the debut of the RA30 and RA40 articulated haul trucks.

Volvo CE's Motherwell facility will continue to focus on the design and manufacturing of Volvo rigid haulers after the closure of Rokbak.

Volvo CE to offer support to Rokbak customers, partners, and employees

Volvo says that customers and dealers will continue to receive aftermarket services support throughout the transition and into the future, and a Rokbak team will remain to provide 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."

Douglas continued, "Our haulers are designed and built in Scotland and loaded with generations of experience and pride. 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."

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.

"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 honour our commitments and deliver ongoing comprehensive support to Rokbak customers and partners."