It was a day of celebration at the PACCAR production facility in Bayswater, Victoria, on June 19, as the 90,000 Australian-designed and manufactured Kenworth truck was handed over to its new owner.
The keys went the way of McColls Transport, with McColls CEO Simon Thornton on hand to celebrate the occasion, alongside PACCAR Australia managing director Damian Smethurst and McColls National Fleet Manager John Hovey.
Also along for the occasion were a strong team of Kenworth employees who gathered to replicate a photograph from the 1,000th truck handover event back in 1974.
The latest T909 for McColls brings the fleet’s tally close to 400 Kenworths. In 2026 the operator took delivery of its 200th Kenworth, a K200, and its allegiance with the brand has continued over the past decade.
For Smethurst the milestone reflects the growth of the Kenworth brand in Australia and the strength of long term relationships with great customers.
“This marks a significant achievement for PACCAR in Australia, and reflects the longstanding dedication of its employees, dealers, suppliers and customers,” he says.
“The production of the 90,000th truck is a source of immense pride for PACCAR and represents a strong commitment to the Australian transport industry.
“While this milestone underscores PACCAR’s manufacturing legacy, the company remains focused on delivering quality and value with every Australian-built Kenworth.
“Each truck is purpose-built to suit its specific application and operating environment, with meticulous attention to detail that ensures the durability, performance, and reliability expected by our customers.
“This approach continues to differentiate the Kenworth brand in the Australian heavy-duty truck market.”
PACCAR also acknowledged the critical contribution of its Australian supply partners, many of whom have supported the Bayswater facility since the plant commenced production in 1971.
In taking delivery of the 90,000th truck McColls have joined a prestigious list of Australian transport operators who have been part of the production milestones for Kenworth over the years. See below.
Kenworth Production Milestones:
- 1974 – 1,000th – K125CR – Switzers Transport Services
- 1988 – 10,000th – T600 – Cleveland Freightlines
- 2001 – 20,000th – T604 – K & P Douglas Transport
- 2005 – 30, 000th – T650 – C.M Fraser & Sons
- 2009 – 40,000th – T608 – Kalari
- 2013 – 50,000th – K200 – Rodney’s Transport Service
- 2018 – 60,000th – T610SAR – Wickham Freight Lines
- 2021 – 70,000th – T659 – Brown and Hurley
- 2023 – 80,000th – T610SAR – Booth Transport
- 2026 – 90,000th – T909 McColls Transport