Former Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, Andrew Wright, has been honoured by the Australian Government in the 2008 Queen's Birthday
Former Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, Andrew Wright, has been honoured by the Australian Government in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his outstanding contribution to Australian Manufacturing and the road transport industry.
Wright, a 34 year PACCAR Veteran who retired in April 2007 after serving as Managing Director of PACCAR Australia for 27 years, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
The award was for “service to the heavy vehicle design and manufacturing industry, to the development of automotive export markets, and through fostering innovative trade skills training programs.”
In 1971, PACCAR opened a factory in Bayswater Victoria for the assembly of Kenworth trucks using imported kits and that facility has since evolved to design and manufacture of a full range of trucks.
Wright’s strong leadership of PACCAR Australia enabled the development of a world competitive manufacturing facility for Kenworth in Australia and a local supplier base that can compete internationally.
He was also instrumental in developing a product range that allows Australian road transport operators to deliver major productivity improvements in what is perhaps the most arduous and demanding environment for trucks anywhere in the world.