Peterbilt Motors Co. recently celebrated the 30-year anniversary of its manufacturing facility in Denton, Texas. The Denton plant first opened its doors in August 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.
“Peterbilt takes great pride in achieving 30 years of manufacturing excellence at our Denton facility,” says 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 359s 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,” says 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’s work force 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, 10 people still remain at Peterbilt.
“The plant plays a significant importance in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones,” says Arlen Savitt, Peterbilt’s assistant general manager of sales and marketing. “Tours of our world-class facility have directly resulted in truck sales, as customers have the opportunity to observe firsthand the superior quality, pride and dedication built into every vehicle we produce.”
