Peterbilt Motors Company recently celebrated the 30-year anniversary of its Denton, Texas manufacturing facility. The Denton plant first opened its doors in August of 1980, with 82 employees producing only one model, the Model 359. Today, the company's broad range of on-highway and vocational models are manufactured in Denton and are recognized throughout the industry as the highest quality vehicles on the road.
"Peterbilt takes great pride in achieving 30 years of manufacturing excellence at our Denton facility," said Bill Jackson, Vice President of PACCAR and General Manager of Peterbilt. "This significant milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the support of our dealer network and our loyal customers who recognize the quality, performance and value of every truck that bears the Peterbilt logo."
In 1980, the plant produced only 15 Model 359's each month. Today, the facility far exceeds its original production capacity, producing eight models for the on-highway and vocational markets.
"As our products have evolved, so has our manufacturing processes," said Mike Dozier, Peterbilt's Assistant General Manager of Operations. "Investments in advanced technologies such as robotic paint and welding systems, combined with our engineering team's continuous product design improvements, have allowed Peterbilt to continually advance the industry leading quality of our products, while also achieving environmental leadership in the automotive industry."
Peterbilt encourages its dealers and customers to visit the world class facility to witness trucks being built from start to finish. The craftsmanship and technology throughout the Denton factory have a tremendous impact on Peterbilt's customers who participate in tours.
"The plant plays a significant importance in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones," said Arlen Savitt, Peterbilt's Assistant General Manager of Sales & Marketing. "Tours of our world-class facility have directly resulted in truck sales as customers have the opportunity to observe first-hand the superior quality, pride and dedication built into every vehicle we produce."
Peterbilt's loyal workforce has also played a strong role in the facility's ability to keep pace with an ever-changing marketplace, where customers require customized vehicles to meet their operational requirements. Of the first 82 employees who began at the Denton facility, ten people still remain at Peterbilt.
"I have witnessed amazing changes over the past 30 years," said Susan Bishop, one of Denton's first employees. "But what has remained consistent through the decades is the great pride and passion I, and all of my fellow co-workers, bring to the job every day. We are dedicated to delivering our customers the very best truck possible and I feel honored to represent one of the best brands in the world."
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