PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Daimler Trucks North America plans to hire 425 people in Portland, most at a factory headed for closure two years ago.
The company makes Western Star trucks in Portland and will put on a second shift for the first time since 2006.
That will mean 350 new jobs and put the plant's work force over 1,000 -- welcome news in a state with unemployment numbers above the national average.
The Oregonian (http://bit.ly/pc7g1D) reports that Daimler is doing well with a new model featuring a midsize power train and relatively low price, producing more than 30 a day.
Martin Daum, Daimler Trucks North America president and chief executive, predicted Thursday the plant could ultimately turn out 60 a day.
Daimler also plans to hire 75 people at its nearby corporate headquarters.