The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the PACCAR (operating as Kenworth) facility in Renton, Wash., which employs approximately 300 members of IAM Union District 160, as a recipient of its Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program, which supports the transition to zero-emission vehicles. 

“This funding support will have a massive impact on IAM Union members in Washington state,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Not only will we be working with other unions and PACCAR to preserve our workforce in the facility, but we will develop the skills of existing members, strengthening our position in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry.”

The DOE is investing over $1.8 billion by way of the Inflation Reduction Act, a part of former President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, to support the conversion of 13 closed or at-risk auto manufacturing and assembly facilities across Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Washington state to manufacture electric vehicles and their supply chains.

“This investment brings multiple benefits, including the creation of new zero-emission trucks and the strengthening of our domestic manufacturing capabilities,” said IAM Union District 160 Directing Business Representative Steve Miller. “It ensures the retention of our skilled workforce while offering valuable opportunities for upskilling our existing members, further enhancing the skill level within our community.”

The grant award announcement states that PACCAR’s Conversion IMPACT plan will attract and retain workers through “work with International Association of Machinists, Local 289 and Local 79, Sheet Metal Workers (SMART), Local 66, International Painters & Allied Trades, Local 1094, and Teamsters, Local 763 to train workers and convert the facility in Renton, Wash.”

“We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Soloman, Assistant Director Loren Ameroth, and the entire IAM Legislative and Political Department for their efforts in pushing this initiative forward,” said Miller. “With a very competitive grant such as this, it shows how important a strong legislative team is. This is a significant step forward for the environment, our local economy, and our members.”