DENTON, Texas — Peterbilt is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and will mark the milestone with commemorative events held throughout the year.

Peterbilt announced it will launch a North American tour, pulling a specially decorated anniversary trailer behind a Pete 579.

“Peterbilt consistently sets higher standards for its products and services. It’s a 75-year tradition of excellence and innovation that has established expectations with an uncompromising focus to deliver the highest levels of quality, customer satisfaction and reward on investment,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice-president. “This is a milestone event for our company and its customers, employees, dealers and suppliers. We will mark it with a range of events and activities honoring our storied past and exciting future.”

The company was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman in Oakland, Calif. and was bought by Paccar in 1958. The company opened a manufacturing plant in Denton, Texas in 1980 and eventually made the city its corporate home.

To celebrate its 75th birthday, Peterbilt will head out on a 2014 anniversary tour pulling a trailer that will house a Peterbilt museum.

“It’s important to bring the celebration where it matters most – to our customers and our dealers. The anniversary trailer will be of significant interest and enjoyment for every Peterbilt enthusiast,” said Siver. “As it tours North America, there will be ample opportunity for customers to not only learn about Peterbilt history, but also our flagship Model 579 which will be hauling the trailer.”

The company will also be publishing a coffee table book to commemorate the occasion.

Other planned activities include: trivia contests with prizes; anniversary videos; and launch of a new merchandise collection.