Paccar Announces Plans for $400 Million Engine Manufacturing Plant

Paccar Inc. Inc unveiled plans for a new $400 million powertrain manufacturing and assembly facility in the southeast United States. "Strong demand for high-quality DAF, Peterbilt and Kenworth products has resulted in record production and market share for PACCAR worldwide," says Mark Pigott, chairman and CEO. "The industry-leading reliability and resale value of PACCAR’s light-, medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including the success of PACCAR’s powertrain, as well as exciting initiatives such as PACCAR’s diesel-electric hybrids, remote vehicle diagnostics and software development have driven stellar financial performance." "The 400,000-square-foot facility strengthens PACCAR’s global manufacturing and assembly capability and positions PACCAR to capitalize on growing opportunities in North America, Europe and Asia," added Pigott. "The $400 million investment in PACCAR’s newest facility complements the $2.5 billion invested over the last ten years to accelerate award-winning product development, Six Sigma implementation, customer after sales support and dynamic information technology programs in our capital goods and financial services markets." According to the company’s press release, construction of the facility will begin in mid-2007 and is targeted for completion in 2009. Tom Plimpton, president, says, "This will be PACCAR’s most technologically advanced facility and reinforces our efficient manufacturing platform that builds the highest-quality products in the industry. The manufacturing facility will be configured for maximum flexibility to supply products and components to PACCAR facilities and customers on a global basis."