Kenworth Turns 100 in 2023

Kenworth marked its centenary in 2023, a year-long celebration of a marque that has appeared on the grilles of more than 1.3 million trucks working across the United States and Canada over the past century.

From a Small Seattle Workshop

The company was founded in 1923 by Harry W. Kent and Edgar K. Worthington, who established a modest truck manufacturing operation in Seattle. In that first year, the firm built just 78 petrol-powered trucks.

Production has since grown considerably. Kenworth has manufactured more than a million vehicles spanning Class 5 to Class 8, along with super heavy-duty models such as the C500 6×6, which carries a gross combination weight rating of 1 million pounds. The company now also builds medium and heavy-duty battery electric vehicles.

A History of Firsts

Kenworth’s record includes becoming the first US truck manufacturer to offer a diesel engine as standard equipment, in 1933. Half a century later, in 1985, the introduction of the T600 began a revolution in fuel-efficient truck design, with its aerodynamic approach reshaping the industry.

Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, said the company’s history offered much to be proud of, describing the journey from that early diesel milestone to today’s electric powertrains. He also highlighted the T600’s legacy, noting that its evolution had advanced dramatically in the new flagship T680, which he said sets the industry standard for truck aerodynamics today.

Built to Last

Much of Kenworth’s staying power in a competitive market can be traced to a philosophy established early in its history: build the right truck for each customer’s application, capable of getting the job done, and build it to last. That approach remains in place and has earned the company a reputation for quality, innovation and durability, with trucks driven by state-of-the-art technology.

Baney said Kenworth had remained true to its core values since its founding, and that while the first 100 years had produced many remarkable achievements, there was more work to be done as the company set out on its next century, continuing its mission of producing what it calls the world’s best trucks.