CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Kenworth announced the start of construction for a state-of-the-art, 105,000-square-foot test building expansion at its plant in Chillicothe.

According to company officials, the expansion represents a 17 percent increase in the 622,000-square-foot Kenworth Chillicothe plant. The new test building will be built on the north side of the facility.

The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

“Kenworth’s major investment in the new Test Building demonstrates our continuing commitment to produce industry-leading Class 8 trucks, while supported by the dedication of our employees,” said Doug VanZuiden, Kenworth Chillicothe plant manager.

Kenworth Chillicothe recently received two awards from the Manufacturing Leadership Council of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The plant was recognized for its Kenworth Paint Facility and Henrob Error Proofing project.

Image courtesy of Kenworth

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency rewarded Kenworth Chillicothe with the Encouraging Environmental Excellence “E3” Platinum Award in the fall of last year. The award honors a business or organization that extends its environmental program beyond its facilities and demonstrates how its environmental stewardship efforts benefit the local community, region, or wider geographical area.