In Davie County, global industry and local impact intersect at DEX Heavy Duty Parts, a division of Volvo Group that is helping redefine sustainability in the heavy-duty vehicle sector while strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.
Located in Advance, DEX operates a 210,000-square-foot facility on a 38-acre campus, serving as a critical hub for Volvo and Mack Trucks across North America. Since relocating its corporate operations to Davie County in 2014, the company has established itself as both an economic contributor and an innovator in circular manufacturing systems.
A Global Company with Local Workforce Impact
DEX operates as part of the worldwide Volvo Group, a global leader with more than 100,000 employees across 190 markets.
The company employs 83 people across its operations, including 63 team members based in Davie County and an additional 20 at a Level 1 facility in Oklahoma City, which plays a key role in supporting customers nationwide.
While the reach is global, the impact is deeply local.
In Davie County, the company has built a strong, stable workforce, with an average employee tenure of more than seven years—reflecting a focus on long-term careers, not just jobs.
“We’re not just trying to employ people—we’re trying to create a place where people want to come to work,” said Bob Crippen, parts sales manager. “We’re making a difference every day, not just for the company, but for the community and the environment.”
Leading the Circular Economy in Advanced Manufacturing
DEX is recognized as an industry leader in circular economy practices—an increasingly important focus in advanced manufacturing and sustainability-driven industries.
“Most people might drive by and think we sell truck parts or see dumpsters and assume it’s a waste facility,” Darin Redmon, director of operations at DEX, shared. “But what we really are is a key piece of a circular economy—we’re taking products and giving them new life over and over again.”
Rather than following a traditional “take, make, dispose” model, DEX has spent more than two decades implementing a closed-loop system focused on reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.
“Our goal is simple—we don’t want waste,” Crippen explained. “We call it asset recovery. Everything that comes through here still has value—we just find the best way to use it.”
This approach allows DEX to extend the lifecycle of heavy-duty vehicle components while supporting both environmental goals and cost-effective solutions for customers.
A Complete Lifecycle Solution
DEX’s operations are part of a broader, industry-leading model that integrates every stage of the product lifecycle.
“We’re the only original equipment manufacturer in the heavy-duty industry that has a complete life cycle solution,” said Redmon. “That is done through DEX Heavy-Duty Parts here in Advance and our Oklahoma City facility.”
This capability positions DEX as a key player not only in manufacturing but in long-term asset management across the transportation sector.
Measurable Sustainability Outcomes
DEX’s sustainability model delivers significant, measurable environmental impact:
- 100% landfill-free operations
- 99% recycling rate
- Over 10 million pounds of material recycled in 2025
“We’re not just minimizing our footprint—we’re actually giving back more than we take,” explained Redmon. “That’s something people don’t always realize when they drive by.”
The company also operates a closed-loop water treatment system with zero wastewater discharge, further reinforcing its commitment to resource conservation.
“For a small business, recycling sounds easy, but the reality of it is that recycling is a cost,” Redmon shared. “But we made that part of our business model. We know it’s important not only to the company, but to our employees, the community, and our world. If we don’t make those changes and think longer term, the effects are dramatic.”
Extending Asset Life and Supporting Industry
DEX’s work plays a critical role in keeping commercial vehicles in operation longer—supporting both economic efficiency and sustainability goals.
“If we can help keep a truck operating for 15 or 20 years instead of just a few, that’s a huge win,” Crippen said. “It’s especially important for owner-operators who depend on their vehicles to make a living.”
By offering used, renovated, and remanufactured parts, the company provides flexible solutions that meet a range of operational and financial needs.
Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline
DEX is actively investing in workforce development through partnerships with regional institutions, including Davidson-Davie Community College and Forsyth Tech.
Through these collaborations, students gain hands-on experience inside the facility, developing critical skills while preparing for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“We want this to be a pipeline,” Redmon said. “Not just for us, but for the entire industry.”
Employees also benefit from internal growth opportunities.
“Some of our best painters started in the warehouse,” he noted. “That’s something we’re really proud of.”
A Strategic Advantage for Davie County
DEX’s presence reinforces Davie County’s position as a competitive location for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and sustainable industry.
From global supply chain support to local workforce development, the company exemplifies the type of industry that drives long-term economic growth.
“One of our taglines when people ask, ‘What does DEX do, or what do you sell,’ we say ‘We sell DEX-periences,’ said Redmon. “It doesn’t matter if it’s an end customer, an internal group, or an employee; that experience we provide is really what sets us apart.”
Learn More
To explore DEX Heavy Duty Parts’ products, sustainability efforts, and career opportunities, visit their website: https://dexheavydutyparts.com.
About DEX
DEX Heavy Duty Parts, part of the Volvo Group, is a leader in recycled, renovated, and surplus heavy-duty truck parts solutions for Volvo and Mack, as well as All Makes trucks. Headquartered in Advance, North Carolina, with operations in Oklahoma City, DEX delivers a complete lifecycle offering across North America. By maximizing the value of every asset, DEX helps extend the life of trucks, reduce waste, and drive a more sustainable industry forward. With a focus on quality, speed, and unmatched customer experience, DEX delivers more than parts. We deliver the DEXperience.
