Joe Rizzo, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, Kenworth’s parent company, handed the keys of a T608 prime mover to long-term Kenworth customer Bill Rothery, Chairman and CEO of John Swire & Sons Pty Ltd., owners of Kalari Transport, one of Australia’s largest bulk transporters.

Mr Rizzo said at the ceremony that this major production milestone was testament to Kenworth’s commitment to Australian manufacturing and its ongoing support from Australian business. The Kenworth brand in Australia dates back to 1962, and Kenworth trucks have been manufactured here since 1971.

"Australia is a unique and challenging environment for the transport industry. Trucks must deal with some of the harshest operating conditions in the world – hauling loads that are two or three times heavier than overseas, on roads that are much more demanding of both truck and driver," Mr Rizzo said.

Kenworth is the only Australian manufacturer which has the design capability, technical expertise and resources to fully purpose-build trucks for Australia’s demanding operations.

"Our trucks are designed to satisfy these unique needs, such as higher cooling capacities to handle the heavier weights and hotter conditions, more robust construction to manage the roughest roads, and a design philosophy that recognizes the importance of cost-effective maintenance and, above all, reliability," he said.

Mr Rizzo said it was fitting that the 40,000th Kenworth was built for Kalari. "Kalari has been a long-time Kenworth user and a prominent leader in the transport industry in terms of safety, innovation and productivity. We are proud to be a key partner to Kalari.