Volvo CE blamed global trade challenges, including US tariffs, for the closure of its Motherwell-based Rokbak articulated hauler business.
“Rising operational and supply chain costs, combined with global trade challenges, including US tariffs, have significantly impacted financial performance, making continued operation unsustainable,” it said.
The Volvo CE Motherwell facility, acquired from Terex in 2014, will continue to focus on the development and manufacture of Volvo rigid haulers.
Production of Rokbak articulated haulers is expected to stop in the second half of 2026, subject to a consultation process. A core Rokbak team will remain in place for product support.
Rokbak has approximately 290 employees at the Volvo Motherwell factory and 320 globally, of whom up to 120 are now facing redundancy.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our entire company, our valued employees, and our loyal customers and partners,” said Rokbak managing director Paul Douglas. “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.”
He added: “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 promised to “work with unions, government representatives and regulatory bodies to ensure a responsible and supportive transition for employees impacted by this decision”.
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