The Kenworth truck manufacturing facility located in Chillicothe, Ohio, recently organized its second annual grand procession known as the Kenworth Truck Parade, held in downtown Chillicothe. This extravagant parade served as a homage to Kenworth’s remarkable 100-year journey.
The 2023 edition of the Kenworth Truck Parade exhibited an impressive lineup of over 50 brand-new, vintage, and custom-made Kenworth trucks. It featured an array of models manufactured as far back as the 1920s and 1930s, including notable vehicles like the 1976 Bicentennial W900 VIT-200, two Liberty Edition Kenworths—an impressive K100 Cabover and a W900 Conventional, a 1984 W900B imported from Australia, as well as the highly esteemed Kenworth 100th Anniversary Signature Edition T680 and Limited Edition W900 trucks. Furthermore, the parade showcased a special T680 truck, recently delivered to Heartland Express, symbolizing the monumental achievement of producing the 750,000th truck at the Kenworth Chillicothe plant.
In order to commemorate Kenworth’s centenary, the parade ingeniously arranged the trucks in chronological order, starting from the ones built in the 1920s and progressively advancing through the years until reaching the most recent models manufactured in 2023. Drivers from various parts of the United States and Canada eagerly journeyed to Chillicothe to present their awe-inspiring trucks in this remarkable procession. As the sun set, the parade commenced, allowing the drivers to flaunt their impressive vehicles as they gracefully maneuvered through the charming historic streets of downtown Chillicothe.
“After a successful inaugural Kenworth truck parade last year, this year’s event was even bigger and better as we continue to celebrate Kenworth’s 100th anniversary,” said Jack Schmitt, Kenworth Chillicothe assistant plant manager. “It was great to see trucks dating back to the 1920s when Kenworth first opened its doors to our latest models, many of which are built here in Chillicothe. The event would not be possible without the engagement of our Kenworth Chillicothe planning team, the drivers who came from near and far to show off their rigs and the city of Chillicothe for coming out to support the parade.”
Preceding the truck procession, the Kenworth Chillicothe factory organized gatherings for drivers and their families involved in and attending the parade. Participants were given the chance to explore the Kenworth Chillicothe facility where the majority of Kenworth trucks are manufactured. Additionally, the factory arranged a special event for employees and their families on the premises during the parade day.
Established in 1974, the Kenworth Chillicothe facility occupies a 120-acre plot situated 50 miles south of Columbus, Ohio. Spanning an impressive 622,000 square feet, the plant is equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including automated assembly systems and a state-of-the-art paint facility that incorporates the latest advancements in the industry. Recognizing its exceptional achievements, the Kenworth Chillicothe plant was honored with two Manufacturing Leadership Awards in 2022 by the National Association of Manufacturers. These accolades were bestowed upon the plant for its innovative Kenworth Paint Facility and the Henrob Error Proofing project.
