Daimler Trucks North America Will Add Jobs to the Charlotte Area

Daimler Trucks North America LLC , a subsidiary of German automaker Daimler, is the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America as well as a leading producer of medium-duty trucks, specialized commercial vehicles, heavy-duty diesel engines and other components. The company has more than 20,000 employees in dozens of locations throughout North America.

Headquartered in Portland Oregon, Daimler TrucksNorth America operates truck-assembly operations in Cleveland and Mount Holly as well as a parts facility in Gastonia. At one time, Daimler Trucks employed around 6,000 workers in the Charlotte area. However, in response to continuing economic and industry challenges since 2008, the company had trimmed down their workforce with layoffs to 1,650 workers.

According to Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Trucks, a new three year contract with local units of United Auto Workers (UAW - official name is now the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America) will save the company money and allow them to add 540 workers to 3 truck and parts pants in the Charlotte area.

Cleveland truck assembly plant will add 280 employees; 150 employees will return to Mount Holly truck-assembly plant; and 110 workers to will report to the Gastonia parts plant. The company expects to have previously laid off workers back to work by mid-month.

Agreements for each of the 3 facilities include numerous negotiated provisions that will enhance scheduling flexibility, improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. "We view these agreements as a significant milestone in securing our U.S. production footprint," says Daum. The new UAW contract did come with a price however, as it will mean lower wages and fewer benefits for workers. The union made sacrifices in exchange for job security" says Daum.

"The recalled workers will help to stabilize our local economy" says Robert Van Geons, executive director of RowanWorks of the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission (EDC).

Visit the Daimler Trucks North America Corporation website (under Job Search) for employment opportunities in Fort Mill and Gastonia.