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PACCAR begins construction in Mississippi

July 19, 2007 — Truck engine manufacturer PACCAR Inc. broke ground for its new manufacturing plant July 17 in Columbus, Mississippi.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, PACCAR also announced that it will make a $2 million contribution to Mississippi State University's capital campaign for the College of Engineering. "PACCAR is impressed by the world-class educational opportunities in Mississippi," said the company's CEO, Mark Pigott.

The 420,000-square-foot engine plant and technology center will be built on 400 acres at the Lowndes County Crossroads Megasite. "This leading-edge facility will enhance PACCAR's integration of technology in design, engineering, and manufacturing," said Pigott. "It is our goal that this facility will be the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly commercial vehicle diesel engine facility in North America."

The 12.9-liter and 9.2-liter engines produced at the Mississippi plant will be PACCAR's most fuel-efficient and highest-technology diesel engines, according to the company's executive vice president, Jim Cardillo.

Production at the plant is expected to begin in 2010. It will create about 500 new jobs with an annual payroll of $18 million.

"This investment sends a strong signal to our industry about the positive and competitive nature of manufacturing in America and Mississippi in particular," said Pigott.

Based in Bellevue, Washington, PACCAR is ranked 141st by Fortune magazine and seventh in the motor vehicle and parts sector. It had a record net income of $1.5 billion in 2006.