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A Celebration of Leadership: Jimmy Johnston's Hall of Fame Induction

On April 15, 2025, Autocar Trucks announced a significant milestone in the career of its President, James "Jimmy" Johnston. He is set to be inducted into the esteemed Hall of Fame of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) at WasteExpo 2025. This honor not only acknowledges his leadership at Autocar but also his contributions to the waste and recycling sector as a whole.

Jimmy Johnston has been an influential figure in the waste management industry since he began his journey in 1987. Since assuming the presidency of Autocar Trucks in 2003, he has consistently been at the forefront of innovation and operational efficiency. He is a driving force behind the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the Power of One® (PO1) methodology, which fosters seamless integration of body and chassis systems among various manufacturers. This initiative is paramount to creating well-coordinated, work-ready trucks.

Moreover, Johnston has played an integral role in other important advancements, including the implementation of one-touch dashboard diagnostics and the design of lightweight front-loader bodies. His efforts have focused on not just improving the safety of operations but also enhancing their overall efficiency, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced industry.

The commendations for Johnston’s work reflect his dedication to the field, as highlighted by Garwin McNeilus, founder of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. McNeilus praised Johnston’s extraordinary energy and innovativeness, noting his openness to new ideas and responsiveness to customer feedback. He stated, “Jimmy’s commitment to the customer is second to none.” This emphasis on collaboration and innovation has made him a respected ambassador for the industry.

The NWRA Hall of Fame induction is an exceptional tribute reserved for individuals who have made noteworthy contributions throughout their careers. Don Ross, the chairman of NWRA, remarked, “These individuals have made extraordinary lifetime contributions to our industry and our association. Their leadership, innovation, and service have shaped the waste and recycling sector into what it is today.”

The celebratory induction ceremony is scheduled for May 5, 2025, during the NWRA Awards Gala at WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event is a highlight in the industry calendar, recognized as North America's largest tradeshow dedicated to solid waste, recycling, organics, and sustainability. The NWRA Awards Gala will take place at the Fontainebleau Hotel, with tickets available through the NWRA website.

Andrew Taitz, chairman of Autocar, expressed immense pride in Johnston’s achievements, emphasizing his unwavering customer dedication and innovative mindset. Taitz remarked, “Jimmy has always treated Autocar as family and continued to think differently about how to solve customer problems.” This culture of accountability and pride is one that Johnston has instilled throughout his career, fostering a work environment focused on collaboration.

Johnston’s commitment to continuous improvement is not just about enhancing vehicle performance; it represents a broader vision for the future of waste and recycling services. Under his leadership, Autocar Trucks has built a reputation for providing robust customer support through its ALWAYS UP® factory support center, ensuring that clients receive expert assistance whenever needed.

As the industry prepares to honor Johnston’s lifetime of service, all eyes will be on WasteExpo 2025, where attendees will gather to celebrate innovation, leadership, and the spirit of collaboration. For those attending the event, Autocar will be promoting its latest innovations in refuse trucks at booth #1061, inviting everyone to witness the advancements shaped by Johnston’s vision.

In recognizing the importance of innovation in the industry, Autocar Trucks and the NWRA continue to pave the way for future generations of waste management professionals. The Hall of Fame induction of Jimmy Johnston will not only celebrate his past contributions but also inspire the next wave of leaders committed to excellence in this vital sector.

About Autocar Trucks

Autocar Trucks, LLC, is an American-owned manufacturer of vocational trucks specializing in severe-duty tasks. Their unwavering commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles tailored to customer specifications has made them a leader in the truck manufacturing industry. They offer various purpose-built truck lines, including the ACMD and ACX cab-over trucks, ACTT, and an all-electric E-ACTT.

To learn more about Autocar Trucks, visit www.autocartruck.com.

About National Waste & Recycling Association

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) serves as the voice for the private sector waste and recycling services industry, supporting businesses across all 50 states. It represents a diverse range of members, covering solid waste, hazardous waste, and recycling services, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For further details about NWRA, visit www.wasterecycling.org.