PACCAR Inc announced plans to build a $400 million engine facility and technology center in Columbus, Mississippi.
"PACCAR is pleased to locate its engine facility in one of the most dynamic and progressive areas in the Southeast," commented Mark Pigott, chairman and chief executive officer. "The Columbus, Mississippi site provides superb proximity to our dealers, customers and strategic supplier partners.
"PACCAR’s outstanding financial performance, intense focus on quality, technology and productivity has enabled the company to consistently invest in its products, services and processes during all phases of the business cycle," said Pigott.
PACCAR earned record net income of $1.5 billion on revenues of $16.5 billion in 2006.
Construction on the 400,000-square-foot facility will begin in mid-2007 and is due to be completed in 2009. The new facility will manufacture 12.9-liter and 9.2-liter diesel engines for Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF vehicles and complements PACCAR’s state-of-the-art engine facility in the Netherlands.
"This will be PACCAR’s most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly facility," shared Jim Cardillo, executive vice president. "The facility will initially hire approximately two hundred employees and it is anticipated that there will be five hundred employees as production increases over time. Additional employment opportunities, which will generate significant economic benefits to the region, will be created during the construction phase and as a result of suppliers expanding their capacity in the area," added Cardillo.