Volkswagen ’s decision to build a new production plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee is looking positive for the German automaker. Volkswagen recently closed the application process to staff the new plant, receiving about 65,000 requests for employment.
According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, about 35,000 people have applied for production jobs at the new VW plant — a staggering figure considering VW only plans to hire 1,200 workers. Another 30,000 people have applied for 800 professional and skill maintenance positions at the plant.
“We are overwhelmed by the response and we are very satisfied with the result,” Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president of human resources for VW’s Chattanooga operations, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press. “It gives us the confidence that we will be able to hire all the capable and flexible people we need to build our cars safely and with the highest quality.”
Going through the stack of applications will take some time, with the first hires not expected to be announced until spring 2010. The hiring process will continue into 2011, with the plant expected to begin operations sometime in 2011. Plant workers will start out at $14.50 per hour, but will have the potential to earn up to $19.50 per hour.
The Chattanooga plant marks VW’s first U.S. plant since it closed the doors of its New Stanton, Pennsylvania plant in 1988. The Chattanooga plant will produce an all-new mid-size sedan.
