Wettenhalls has unveiled a commemorative Centennial Truck as part of its 100 year anniversary celebrations.
The Kenworth T909 is a tribute to what the company calls “a century of progress and a symbol of our ongoing commitment to excellence.”
It has been paired with a new Freighter refrigerated PBS-approved 26-pallet trailer featuring a collage depicting the chronology of the fleet over the decades.
The trailer was officially unveiled during a ceremony held yesterday at the company’s depot in Colac.
Royans were engaged to complete the standout livery.
The 550hp Cummins X15 powerplant is paired with an Eaton UltraShift AMT.
Meanwhile,the 36-inch integrated midroof cabin offers a sleek and modern look and is complemented by seven-inch straight cut exhaust stacks to enhance its low stocky appearance.
The interior is adorned with old school white face gauges with gold bezels.
Keeping with Wettenhalls focus on driver and community safety, the Kenworth T909 comes with the latest Kenworth Fusion safety system and includes collision mitigation, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking to name a few features.
The truck and trailer also features a newly designed logo which was teased by Wettenhalls before Christmas at a 20-year Club dinner it annually holds for long-serving staff.
Wettenhalls Managing Director Martin Kelly said the logo on the truck, which would also appear on company uniforms moving forward, had not been made public until now.
“There’s no better prime mover to mark such a special occasion,” he said.
“The king of the road — I can’t think of a more appropriate way to celebrate the business.”
Extensive stainless work has gone into headlight surrounds, driveguards, fuel tank trims with LED lights, wrapped fuel tanks, drop visor, elephant ears and swing plate on the front bumper.
It also incorporates a newly released state-of-the-art MTData system including cameras.
Many of the current staff in Colac could recall drivers who had worked for Wettenhalls previously including some whose fathers had also been part of the organisation.
“We’re very western district focused,” Kelly told Prime Mover.
“It was a real treat to hear the stories of our people and their families, many of whom had generational connections working for Wettenhalls at our Colac site.”
The company was officially founded when Reginald Amezdroz began transporting perishable products for Bulla Dairy in Colac back in 1925.
His first load was 29 steel cans of cream, around 1500 litres in all.
That vehicle wasn’t refrigerated and incorporated the use of ice blocks to keep the produce at the right temperature.
In 1963 the company, known then as Amezdroz & Menzies, purchased its first refrigerated van.
Four years later, the first Kenworth truck is deployed in the fleet.
By 1997 the company had rebranded following the purchase of a better known carrier, Wettenhalls and the green and cream colour scheme is replaced with the distinct burgundy red still in use today.
“This stunning new addition to our fleet represents the perfect blend of heritage and modernity, showcasing cutting-edge technology while honouring the legacy that has defined Wettenhalls over the years,” the company said in an online statement.
“From humble beginnings to becoming a leading name in transport and logistics, our journey has been driven by the passion and dedication of every team member, partner, and customer.”
As Wettenhalls reflected on the past century it was also looking ahead.
“We remain committed to upholding the values that have defined us: integrity, reliability, and a forward-thinking approach to every challenge,” the company said.
“A heartfelt thank you to all who have been part of our journey. Here’s to the next 100 years of growth, collaboration, and making an impact.”
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