Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio – April 29, 2024
Kenworth Truck, a division of PACCAR Inc., has been honored with a formal proclamation from the Ross County Commissioners, commemorating the 50-year anniversary of its Chillicothe, Ohio plant. The celebration, which took place on Friday, April 26, 2024, highlighted the remarkable journey of the manufacturer of Class-8 Heavy Duty trucks since its inception in 1974.
Initially established with a production target of 10 trucks per day, the Chillicothe plant has evolved significantly over the past five decades. Today, it stands as the brand’s flagship production facility, employing over 2,000 individuals and contributing to fifteen percent of all Class-8 trucks on the road.
“In the past 50 years, Kenworth’s Chillicothe plant has exemplified a commitment to quality, innovation, and cutting-edge technology,” remarked Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication of Kenworth’s workforce and its profound impact on the local community.”
The Chillicothe plant’s journey began on March 4, 1974, with the assembly of its first truck, a Kenworth W900. Since then, the facility has produced over 782,000 trucks, embodying the company’s core values of quality and innovation.
Jim Walenczak, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, expressed his gratitude to the Chillicothe community, stating, “Chillicothe is a great place for Kenworth to build trucks because it is close to our customers, suppliers, and, of course, a community of highly skilled employees.”
Over the years, the Kenworth Chillicothe plant has made significant investments in its infrastructure and technology. Since 2018, the facility has undergone a $300 million upgrade, featuring advanced manufacturing technologies and a state-of-the-art paint facility.
Doug VanZuiden, Kenworth Chillicothe plant manager, emphasized the critical role of the plant’s dedicated workforce in ensuring the company’s success. “Our highly experienced, dedicated, and long-term workforce is the secret to building The World’s Best trucks,” he stated.
In addition to its manufacturing prowess, Kenworth is deeply committed to supporting the local community. For the past three decades, the Chillicothe plant has partnered with the United Way of Ross County, raising over $2 million to support philanthropic programs.
As Kenworth Truck Company marks this significant milestone, it continues to lead the industry in developing advanced transportation solutions, driving a better world for generations to come.
For more information, visit Kenworth’s website at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth is a PACCAR company.
