July 17, 2007, Bellevue, Washington – PACCAR held a
groundbreaking ceremony for its new engine plant near Columbus, Mississippi
today. The ceremony, led by PACCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark
Pigott and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, was attended by state and local
officials, business and educational leaders.
“This is the official launch of an exciting and strategically
significant development for PACCAR,” said Mark Pigott. “Our dealers, customers
and suppliers have positively embraced this initiative, which will result in the
highest-quality vehicles in the marketplace. This leading-edge facility will
enhance PACCAR’s integration of technology in design, engineering, and
manufacturing. It is our goal that this facility will be the most
technologically advanced and environmentally friendly commercial vehicle diesel
engine facility in North America. The engines produced in Mississippi will
complement DAF’s excellent engine factory in the Netherlands.” The $400 million
facility will include a 420,000-square- foot engine plant and technology center
on a 400-acre site in Columbus, Mississippi. Construction will begin immediately
and is due to be completed in 2009. “This is a superb location, close to many of
our North American truck assembly facilities, customers and supplier partners,”
added Pigott.
“The location of PACCAR’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing
facility in Lowndes County is further evidence of the high caliber of
Mississippi’s workforce and our commitment to bringing high-paying jobs to our
state,” Governor Barbour said. “PACCAR’s presence will help maintain economic
growth and contribute to an improved quality of life in this region and the
state as a whole.”
PACCAR executive vice president Jim Cardillo noted, “We
appreciate the support of state and local leaders, and we look forward to
developing strong partnerships with the community, county and state. We are
excited to be working closely with Mississippi State University and other
colleges and universities in the region. The vibrant learning environment and
talented local employee base are important to PACCAR.” The PACCAR engine
facility will have a strong economic impact in the Golden Triangle Region.
Initially there will be over two hundred employees hired at the facility and as
production increases the number of employees is anticipated to grow to five
hundred. Construction-related jobs and employment opportunities from PACCAR
suppliers locating in the area will also contribute to the economic benefits of
the region.
PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture
and customer support of high-quality light- medium- and heavy-duty trucks under
the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services
and information technology and distributes truck parts related to its principal
business.