On October 1st, the results for the NC Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in NC contest were revealed and the Western Star 49X Vocational Truck, manufactured in Cleveland, N.C. was voted the Coolest Thing Made in NC. The online contest began with 68 nominees, and after three rounds of public voting totaling 41,700 votes, the Western Star truck earned 2,725 votes in the final round putting them at the top of the pack.
Western Star’s 49X Vocational Truck is a modern adaptation to heavy-duty trucks. Combining enhanced safety, impressive durability and optimal operational comfort for a smooth trucking experience. The truck is versatile and can be used as a dump truck, crane truck, logging truck and heavy haul truck.
The NC Chamber launched the Coolest Thing Made In NC competition in 2020. The contest is sponsored by the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) and collaborated by Old Dominion Freight Line, to honor North Carolina’s manufacturers and raise awareness about the rewarding careers in modern manufacturing. The results being unveiled on October 1st has particular significance. October 1st was MFG DAY, a day dedicated to advocating for the future of manufacturing. Businesses across North Carolina opened their doors (and their Zooms) to invite students into their facilities both in-person and virtually. The existence of the Coolest Thing Made In NC contest helps get young people excited about manufacturing, change the perception of manufacturing and attract the manufacturing workforce of the future.
In addition to receiving a trophy, the Western Star 49X Vocational Truck will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications, podcasts, social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts. Congratulations to Western Star. Keep trucking!
About the NC Chamber
The NC Chamber works to research, develop, advocate, and communicate for solutions and policies that produce a nationally competitive business climate in North Carolina. For more information, visit ncchamber.com.
About Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is one of the largest North American less-than-truckload (“LTL”) motor carriers and provides regional, inter-regional and national LTL services through a single integrated, union-free organization. Our service offerings, which include expedited transportation, are provided through an expansive network of service centers located throughout the continental United States. The Company also maintains strategic alliances with other carriers to provide LTL services throughout North America. In addition to its core LTL services, the Company offers a range of value-added services including container drayage, truckload brokerage and supply chain consulting.
