Navistar Chooses Mexico for Truck Plant

Navistar International Corp. said it will build a $167-million truck assembly plant in Escobedo, Mexico. The Chicago-based truck maker said construction on the 270-acre site near Monterrey will begin by year-end. Production will start in 1998. The plant will assemble about 65 trucks on two production lines during one shift. Engines will come from Navistar’s plant in Melrose Park, Ill. Navistar has a network of 23 dealers in Mexico, as well as a parts distribution center. “Having our own plant in Mexico will allow us to take full advantage of the expected upturn in the Mexican economy as well as expand our presence in other Latin American markets,” said John R. Horne, chairman, president and chief executive.