PACCAR Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary of Engine Manufacturing in North America

PACCAR (Nasdaq: PCAR) is recognizing its Columbus, Miss., engine factory for 10 years of manufacturing excellence and a strong commitment to its community.

Planning for the engine plant started in 2006 when an international PACCAR team of managers and engineers from Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF were tasked with laying the groundwork for a state-of-the-art factory.  PACCAR chose Columbus, Mississippi due to its proximity to important transportation logistics networks, talented people and the ability to partner with nearby educational institutions that complement the workforce.

A groundbreaking ceremony in 2007 marked the start of construction for the $400 million facility.  The innovative factory design and operations have resulted in many honors for manufacturing excellence and environmental impact over the last decade, such as zero-waste-to-landfill, and ISO 14000 environmental management and ISO 9001-TS quality management certifications.  Additional investments in factory enhancements and production capacity have positioned the plant to meet engine demand over the next decade.  The Columbus, factory has produced more than 250,000 PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines to date.

PACCAR established close ties with colleges in the area including Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women and East Mississippi Community College to help develop a local pool of highly skilled employees.  These relationships continue to flourish and provide mutual benefit.  Not only does the PACCAR engine factory hire or offer internships to associates from surrounding colleges, employees can also earn training certifications and degrees to enhance their knowledge and skill sets.

“PACCAR is very proud of the Columbus, Miss., engine factory’s achievements in the first 10 years,” said Preston Feight, PACCAR chief executive officer.  “Our excellent employees and the plant’s advanced manufacturing capabilities have created a great environment for building the industry’s best engines.”