51�� leadership visits PACCAR/Kenworth Chillicothe Plant

Representatives of 51�� and Kenworth stand in front of a truck outside of the Chillicothe plant

The PACCAR/Kenworth Chillicothe Plant recently hosted several members of 51��’s leadership team in the first of a series of meetings and tours to promote OHIO’s ongoing support of Kenworth. This relationship, which goes back more than 35 years, has been pivotal to the success of both the and the Russ College of Engineering and Technology at 51��.

“It’s pretty powerful that almost 60% of the Kenworth plant engineers are OHIO grads,” said Greg Simmons, vice president of University Advancement and president of the 51�� Foundation. “That type of engagement doesn’t happen overnight, this is a great example of a long-term partnership.”

The Chillicothe facility has sponsored more than 120 engineering student interns since 2000 and sponsored Russ College of Engineering and Technology capstone projects that have created an estimated $20M in savings for Kenworth and the PACCAR Corporation. As of 2025, 57% of salaried engineers, and 56% of its salaried workforce (187 employees) are 51�� alumni.

One of OHIO’s longest and most important individual relationships has been with Ross Wagner, Dedicated Six Sigma Black Belt in PACCAR Corporate Quality.

“It has been a rewarding experience supporting Kenworth Truck Company operations and collaborating with 51��’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology for the past 27 years,” Wagner said. ”Through mentoring senior design projects, providing plant tours, and expanding our partnership across multiple channels, we have created meaningful benefits for students, faculty, and Kenworth personnel. We look forward to strengthening this relationship by continuing to ‘Create for Good’ with 51�� and engaging their talent to help build ‘The World’s Best’ at Kenworth.”

Preparing students with the skills needed for today’s industrial workforce

The event included a complete facility tour for new OHIO leadership, as well as a discussion of vision and future areas of growth for the partnership.

“OHIO Chillicothe is proud to support Kenworth and the broader manufacturing community by preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s industrial workforce. We are committed to expanding opportunities that align with the region’s economic needs and help power continued growth in southern Ohio,” noted Michael Lafreniere, interim dean of 51��’s Chillicothe campus.

In addition to tours of the facility, the plant’s leadership has been heavily invested in representing the company through volunteering, board participation, instruction and ongoing engagement. This engagement has spread beyond the OHIO main campus and included a special focus on the nearby OHIO Chillicothe Campus.

OHIO and Kenworth leaders talk while touring the Kenworth Plant in Chillicothe

“What a fascinating tour! I am deeply impressed by Kenworth’s operations and their strong commitment to excellence, developing their workforce, and investing in the community,” noted Lewatis McNeal, vice provost for regional higher education at 51��. “We are fortunate to share such a meaningful partnership between Kenworth and OHIO Chillicothe. Together, we look forward to building on this collaboration in ways that will continue to benefit Kenworth, OHIO Chillicothe, and the greater Ross County and Chillicothe community.”

This is the first of a series of Kenworth visits by OHIO leadership. During the first tour, Kenworth hosted numerous 51�� executives and staff including Simmons, McNeal, Lafreniere, Patrick Fox, dean of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and Scott Miller, assistant dean for industry partnerships.

Future visits will focus on additional student opportunities, possible research collaboration, and curriculum development. Kenworth has ongoing engagement that has included a variety of pipeline, research, and sponsorship activities including the Brazil Exchange Student Internship, guest lecturers, Exoskeleton Onsite Research, International Conference Production Research Sponsor and Tour, IISE Regional Conference Sponsor and Participant, and multiple career fairs. Kenworth has also been an essential partner in supporting OHIO’s workforce development programming in southern Ohio.

OHIO and Kenworth leaders look at the front of a semi truck while they tour the Kenworth Plant in Chillicothe

A long history of collaboration

Kenworth staff and leadership have been instrumental in helping OHIO develop its LEAN and ISE Six Sigma curriculum and several Kenworth staff serve as adjunct professors at both Chillicothe and the main campus in Athens. Notable Kenworth staff members on the tour and engaging with OHIO include Ross Wagner, Sr. Dedicated Six Sigma Black Belt in PACCAR Corporate Quality; Obadiah Harris, quality manager at Kenworth who also serves as an OHIO faculty instructor, Craig McGuire, Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing engineering manager, and Doug VanZuiden, Kenworth Chillicothe Plant manager.

Van Zuiden has been vital to increasing the number of OHIO engineering interns hosted annually by Kenworth. The relationship has also been advocated by Lex Tisdale, retired Kenworth senior manager, 51�� graduate and member of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology’s Board of Visitors and alumni Board of Directors.

For Van Zuiden this ongoing connection is key.

“For over 20 years, Kenworth and 51�� have cultivated a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. This collaboration has provided invaluable opportunities for dozens of interns, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and contribute meaningfully to Kenworth’s innovative projects,” Van Zuiden said. “Additionally, numerous senior design projects undertaken by 51�� students have delivered significant advancements and practical solutions for Kenworth, reinforcing the enduring impact of this alliance on both the academic and industry communities. Together, Kenworth and 51�� continue to drive excellence through education, innovation, and shared commitment.”

Dean Patrick Fox talks with a Kenworth leader during a tour of the Kenworth Plant in Chillicothe

In 2022, Kenworth started major expansion including creating a state-of-the-art $45 million, 105,000 square-foot Test Building in addition to its Class 8 truck assembly plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. The company is currently expanding its footprint to accommodate a production level of up to 200 trucks per day.

“For decades, the Russ College of Engineering and Technology has had a strong partnership with PACCAR, through Kenworth, including student internship and co-op opportunities, capstone design projects, college advisory boards, and student job placement after graduation. We look forward to furthering the partnership and today’s meeting was a great start!” said Patrick Fox, dean of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.

About PACCAR/Kenworth

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at . Kenworth is a PACCAR company.

Tags: