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PETERBILT FACTORY TURNS 25
DENTON FACILITY CELEBRATES A MILESTONE

In August of 1980, the first Peterbilt truck to be manufactured in Denton, Texas – a white Model 359 – rolled off the line (photo). In the 25 years since, as the manufacturing facility celebrates its silver anniversary, more than 238,000 trucks have followed.

“The tools and technologies used to build the trucks, the logistics, the capacity and efficiency, have all dramatically improved through the years,” says Dan Sobic, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “And these will continue to change and improve in the years ahead. What remains constant is the dedication and craftsmanship of the employees, the pride and quality that goes into every vehicle. There is a significant responsibility behind every truck bearing the Peterbilt logo – historic expectations of performance, reliability and customer satisfaction – and Peterbilt’s Denton manufacturing facility has helped fulfill and further each of those obligations.”

When the Denton plant first opened for business, it focused on producing one model, the Model 359, at an average of 15 units monthly. Today, all seven of the company’s heavy-duty truck models are manufactured at the facility and production capacity far exceeds its original volume (about 80 trucks a day now).

“The success of the Denton plant rests heavily on its versatility and adaptability,” says Dana Edwards, Assistant General Manager of Operations. “Peterbilt is not building the same trucks as it was 25 years ago and the way it manufactures trucks is not the same as it was 25 years ago. Just as the product line evolves, so have the methods for producing it. Among the more significant changes to the assembly process in recent years,” Edwards says, “are robotics, networked torque tools and real-time manufacturing information systems. All of these enhancements have helped improve product quality and manufacturing efficiencies, raising overall customer satisfaction.”

In recognition of the anniversary, Peterbilt held a celebration to honor Denton plant employees both past and present (photo). About 2,000 people were in attendance, including members of the original 81-person start-up team. Of the original team, 25 continue to be employed by the company or PACCAR, Peterbilt’s parent company.

Glenn Larson, President of The Larson Group, which owns and operates seven Peterbilt dealerships, also spoke at the event, recognizing the importance the facility plays in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. “I firmly believe in this plant’s power for showing customers what sets Peterbilt apart from its competitors,” he says. “I make sure every salesperson throughout my organization knows it too. The number of customers we have gained as a direct result of taking them to this plant are too many to count.”

Sobic addressed the crowd, reviewing historic milestones in the plant’s history, including the many different truck models that have rolled off the assembly lines. Sobic’s remarks also included the reading of a congratulatory letter sent by PACCAR Chairman and CEO Mark Pigott and the showing of a video highlighting PACCAR’s historic milestones. PACCAR is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. He concluded by saying, “Thanks again to all of our distinguished guests, old friends and colleagues with us today, as well as all Peterbilt employees as we celebrate Denton’s 25th anniversary. On behalf of PACCAR and Peterbilt Motors Company, we thank each of you for your hard work and dedication over the past 25 years, and here’s to 25 more!”

The following day featured an open house and picnic that was attended by more than 5,000 employees and guests. Among the many attractions was a stunning display of both older and newer custom Peterbilt trucks, employees’ custom cars and motorcycles, games, music, truck rides and tours of the plant for children and spouses. For more information about Peterbilt, visit www.peterbilt.com.