KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth has produced its 700,000th truck which will be put to work with a U.S.-based fleet.

The 2006 W900 with 72-inch AeroCab Aerodyne sleeper rolled off the assembly line at the company’s Renton, Wash. plant. It was purchased by long-time customer James H. Clark & Son out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

"Kenworth is very proud to achieve the production of 700,000 Kenworth trucks and we recognize the dedication and commitment of our employees throughout our history to build the World’s Best trucks," said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice-president.

The truck was celebrated at a special ceremony by Kenworth employees. Kenworth plant manager, Doug Baugh, presented the keys to the truck’s co-owner Jeff Clark.

"It’s a great honour and privilege for our company to receive this very special and historic 700,000th Kenworth truck built by the plant employees at Renton," said Jeff Clark of James H. Clark & Son, Inc., which purchased its first Kenworth truck in the 1950s. "We have a long, successful and productive partnership with both Kenworth, and our dealer, Kenworth Sales Company. Their efforts and the commitment of Kenworth’s employees to provide us with world-class, premium Kenworth trucks are very much appreciated."

The truck will haul refrigerated goods for the company, which operates primarily W900 and T800 model Kenworths.