For Chris Guins, better known as LetsDig18 and one of YouTube’s most-watched heavy equipment operators, participating in the test run of the very first U.S.-built Volvo EC230 excavator at Volvo Construction Equipment’s Shippensburg, Pennsylvania facility was a once-in-a-career opportunity.
The milestone was historic for more than one reason. Not only was the EC230 the first excavator produced at Volvo CE’s new U.S. assembly line, but Ascendum Machinery also became the first Volvo dealership in the United States to take delivery of a machine built in Shippensburg, an important milestone for both Volvo CE and Ascendum.
Invited by Volvo CE for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, Guins got a firsthand look at how the first U.S.-built EC230 excavator comes together, from a bare frame to a fully tested machine ready for delivery.
Building Excavators in Pennsylvania
Just one year ago, Volvo began reshaping its Shippensburg facility to support excavator production. Today, the plant has four excavators moving through the assembly line as teams focus on refining processes, building expertise, and ensuring quality from day one.
The long-term vision is ambitious: produce Volvo excavators ranging from the EC140 to the EC500 to meet growing demand across North America.
Additional manufacturing capabilities are already on the horizon. In August, the facility will begin fabricating lower frames on-site, followed by upper frame production in September. While booms will continue to be supplied from Korea, Volvo plans to manufacture undercarriage components at the Pennsylvania facility.
What’s Next for Shippensburg?
Volvo plans to introduce a new excavator model approximately every four months. The next machine scheduled for production is the EC210, which is expected to begin rolling down the line in August.
As production expands, the facility will continue moving toward its goal of manufacturing a broad range of excavators for the North American market from a single assembly line.
Ascendum Makes History
While the first EC230 marked the beginning of excavator production in Shippensburg, it also represented a milestone for Ascendum Machinery.
As the first Volvo dealership in the United States to take possession of a machine built at the new Pennsylvania facility, Ascendum received the inaugural U.S.-assembled EC230. The delivery marks an important milestone for both Volvo CE and Ascendum while highlighting the dealership’s commitment to bringing the latest Volvo equipment to customers across its territory.
For both Volvo CE and Ascendum, the first Shippensburg-built EC230 symbolizes a new era of U.S. manufacturing, faster delivery, and continued investment in North American customers.
Following the EC230 Through Production
During the tour, Volvo’s team walked Guins through the plant’s 11 production zones, showing how hundreds of components come together to create a finished excavator.
Building the Foundation
The process begins with a bare upper frame. During the tour, Guins watched as Volvo’s team explained how technicians install the wiring harness, main control valve, hydraulic systems, fuel tanks, and pumps that serve as the machine’s operational backbone. Many components arrive as preassembled modules, helping improve efficiency while maintaining quality throughout production.
Bringing the Machine to Life
As assembly progresses, cab components, engine housing, and supporting systems are added. One of the most significant milestones occurs when the upper structure is joined to the undercarriage. At this stage, fluids are added and the machine is started for the first time, transforming it from a collection of components into a functioning excavator.
Final Assembly and Testing
The cab shell, counterweight, boom, and arm are installed during the final stages of production. Once fully assembled, the EC230 moves to Volvo’s testing area, where technicians evaluate hydraulic performance, track operation, swing functions, fluid levels, and overall machine performance through multiple quality-control cycles before approving it for shipment.
The First Test Run
After assembly, the excavator moves to Volvo’s testing area, where quality control becomes the primary focus.
The facility’s 100-foot by 100-foot test pad allows technicians to evaluate multiple machines simultaneously. The newly assembled EC230 undergoes a series of heat cycles designed to warm hydraulic fluids and reveal any potential issues before the machine reaches a customer.
During testing, technicians verify:
- Fluid levels
- Hydraulic performance
- Door and panel operation
- Latch functionality
- Leak detection
- Track operation
- Swing performance
- Boom and arm functions
The excavator is run through approximately one hour of testing and completes three separate quality-control cycles before being approved for shipment. Guins had the unique opportunity to participate in portions of the testing process, operating the machine as technicians evaluated track movement, hydraulic functions, swing performance, and other key systems before the excavator was cleared for delivery.
Final Inspection and Quality Assurance
Once testing is complete, the machine returns indoors for another round of inspections. Teams review build documentation, verify options against customer specifications, inspect decals and appearance, and perform comprehensive checks on hoses, hardware, fittings, and hydraulic systems.
The excavator then receives a final wash, protective coating, and detailed audit process where operating speeds, machine functions, and system performance are measured against Volvo specifications. Only after passing every inspection does the machine move to the yard, where it awaits shipment to the dealer that ordered it.
One More Surprise
The day had one more machine worth seeing. Tucked in the facility was a certified rebuilt Volvo A45G articulated hauler with more than 6,300 service hours — freshly completed through Volvo’s Certified Rebuild Program and wrapped in a patriotic design celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The truck is scheduled to appear in local Independence Day celebrations, a nod to both Volvo’s craftsmanship and the company’s ties to the Shippensburg community.
A Historic Day for Volvo CE
For Volvo CE, producing the first EC230 excavator in Shippensburg represents more than just another machine rolling off an assembly line. It signals the beginning of a new chapter in North American manufacturing and a major investment in serving customers closer to home.
“I’ve operated a lot of equipment over the years, but being part of the first test run for the EC230 built at Volvo’s new U.S. assembly line was something special,” said Guins. “Seeing the people, processes, and attention to detail behind every step of the build gave me a whole new appreciation for what goes into these machines. It’s exciting to see excavator production happening right here in the United States.”
