PACCAR Australia has recognised exceptional performance across its dealer and supplier network at its 2025 dealer of the year awards held in Melbourne.

Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood in New South Wales took dealer of the year honours, while R&J Batteries was named 2025 Paccar Parts supplier of the year in the aftermarket category and sheet metal specialist Hilton Manufacturing received the 2025 Paccar Parts supplier of the year in the proprietary category.

Kenworth DAF Huntingwood (Gilbert & Roach) was recognised for outstanding performance in parts growth, operational excellence, customer support and execution of key initiatives.

Gilbert & Roach parts manager Chris Richardson, said: “I am proud of our entire parts team and their ongoing commitment to outstanding customer service and continuous improvement.”

Paccar Parts general manager Mark Santschi said Gilbert & Roach’s win was “truly well-deserved”.

Paccar dealer of the year L-R: Paccar Parts general manager Mark Santschi; Gilbert & Roach Huntingwood general manager Zane Jamieson; Paccar Parts national sales and marketing manager Adrian Smythe.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the entire team at Huntingwood .Their exceptional performance exemplifies their commitment to customer service and continued growth in tough market conditions.

“Our dealer network does a great job supporting our Kenworth and DAF customers, so to be awarded as a top performer among that group is a remarkable achievement.”

The Paccar Parts awards recognise outstanding performance through Paccar Australia’s supplier performance management (SPM) program, which evaluates major suppliers across parts availability, on-time delivery, lead times, product quality, warranty support and sales and marketing program support.

Supplier of the year: Aftermarket supplier category. L-R: Paccar Parts general manager Mark Santschi; R&J Batteries national accounts supervisor Vanessa Meyer; R&J Batteries national sales manager Shayne Dryden; and Paccar Australia managing director Damian Smethurst.

Mr Santschi presented the awards to R&J Batteries national sales manager Shayne Dryden and Hilton Manufacturing managing director Todd Hartley.

“Congratulations to R&J Batteries on being named our 2025 Paccar parts supplier of the year,” said Mr Santschi.

“This award reflects their outstanding performance, strong partnership, and commitment to excellence across every aspect of their support to Paccar and our dealer network.

“I would also like to congratulate Hilton Manufacturing on being named proprietary supplier of the year and thank them for their reliability, performance and continued support of Paccar Parts, our dealers and our customers.”

Mr Dryden said the recognition highlighted the value of strong collaboration.

“We are extremely proud to receive the Paccar Parts aftermarket supplier of the year award,” he said.

Supplier of the year: proprietary. L-R: Paccar Parts general manager Mark Santschi; Hilton Manufacturing managing director Todd Hartley; and Paccar Australia managing director Damian Smethurst.

“Being recognised by a business as highly regarded as Paccar reflects what is possible when two organisations with aligned goals work together.

“We sincerely thank the Paccar team and dealer network for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing this growth into the future.”

Mr Hartley described the award as a significant achievement.

“Winning the Paccar Parts supplier of the year – proprietary award is an outstanding honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” he said.

“It reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, innovation and the strong partnership we continue to build with Paccar Parts.”