Daimler Adding Second Shift at Western Star Plant in Oregon
Daimler Trucks North America said Thursday it is adding a second shift at its Western Star truck plant in Portland, Ore., to meet increased demand.
The move will add 350 employees and boost the plant’s workforce by 50% by the end of next year, with 330 shop employees and 20 engineering and support positions.
Hiring will begin next month, Daimler said.
The Swan Island plant in Portland builds heavy-duty Western Star vocational trucks used in mining, logging, oil field and construction work, as well as for on-highway and other specialized use.
The increase in production capacity and hiring comes in response to a strong and steady rise in Western Star orders throughout 2011 and company expectations for continued growth in 2012, Daimler said in a statement.
Daimler, which also builds Freightliner brand trucks, said last month that it expects Western Star’s market share to double.
