Kenworth Truck Company’s plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, has been named Quality Magazine’s “Plant of the Year” in the large plant category of over 250 employees.
Quality Magazine’s June issue cover story will feature the award-winning Kenworth-Chillicothe plant, which has produced over 270,000 trucks since it was opened in 1974. The plant produces Kenworth’s T600, T800, T2000 and W900 models and maintains ISO 9001:2000 quality certification.
Entries for Quality Magazine’s annual award came from industries as diverse as transportation, aerospace, defense, electronics, computers, metalworking and home building products. A review board of leading quality, manufacturing, and engineering experts evaluated all nominations for demonstration of world-class quality processes; application of new and existing technologies, equipment and services to improve manufacturing; successful teamwork between product design and manufacturing to ensure both quality product and production; and effective quality testing and verification, among other categories.
“Kenworth Truck Company and its plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, have applied world-class quality technology, equipment, services and techniques to improve productivity and cycle time, increase capacity, enhance adherence to quality standards, and reduce scrap, rework, warranty and manufacturing costs,” said Tom Williams, Quality Magazine publisher. “Their efforts are to be commended.”
Kenworth-Chillicothe uses innovative technologies, such as paperless build instructions, electronic data collection, digitally controlled tooling, and cab harness electrical tests, combined with extensive use of Six Sigma, high impact Kaizen events and other process improvements to help produce premium, high-quality trucks.
It was the second major award for a Kenworth plant since fall of 2004 when Kenworth’s plant in Renton, Wash. was honored with ASSEMBLY Magazine’s inaugural “Assembly Plant of the Year Award”.
Quality Magazine is a monthly business publication serving the quality assurance and process improvement needs of more than 64,000 manufacturing professionals. The magazine reports on the use of sound metrology methods, statistical analysis and process improvement techniques to significantly improve quality on the shop floor and in manufacturing planning. Quality Magazine’s website is at www.qualitymag.com.