KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth Truck Company’s plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, has been named Quality Magazine’s “Plant of the Year” in the large plant category of more than 250 employees.

“Kenworth Truck Company is extremely pleased to receive this national recognition for the Kenworth-Chillicothe plant from Quality Magazine,” said Tony McQuary, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for operations. “This award is a tribute to our employees who work hard every day to produce the World’s Best trucks.”

Quality Magazine is a monthly business publication. The magazine reports on the use of sound metrology methods, statistical analysis and process improvement techniques in manufacturing.

The cover story for the magazine’s June issue 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.

Entries for Quality Magazine’s annual award came from industries as diverse as transportation, aerospace, defense, electronics, computers, metalworking and home building products.

Kenworth-Chillicothe uses 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 its trucks.

“Our goal is simple: Produce the World’s Best trucks and satisfy customers,” said Scott Blue, Kenworth-Chillicothe plant manager. “Kenworth uses well-trained employees and leading-edge technology, production and logistics systems to build quality Kenworth trucks.”