PORTLAND, Ore. – Daimler Trucks North America announced today that it is increasing production and employment at its Mt. Holly, N.C. plant over the next three months.

According to Daimler, the Mt. Holly plant will add a third shift to its operations and plans to fill the additional 580 manufacturing and 25 related supervision, engineering and administrative positions by mid-July. The plant currently manufacturers Freightliner M2 Business Class medium-duty diesel and natural gas-powered trucks.

In addition, Daimler says the new 600 employees that will be added to Daimler’s payroll will help accommodate the rising customer demand for the company’s Freightliner Business Class M2 line of medium and severe duty trucks.

“Our vehicle manufacturing network is highly scalable and together with our component suppliers, we are fully prepared to handle current and projected new truck order levels,” said Roger Nielsen, chief operating officer, Daimler Trucks North America. “The untapped capacity at the Mt. Holly plant provides us the capacity and the leverage to meet customer delivery schedules in today’s fast-paced economy.  Our customers represent the broad diversity and strength of today’s economy, with our trucks being deployed in construction, utilities, beverage hauling, food distribution, emergency response, and a host of other applications.  We take great pride in our manufacturing workforce and in the proven performance, quality, and popularity of our vehicles.”

The company says it is recruiting locally in Gaston County. Interested patrons are encouraged to check the state employment office or the ncwors.gov Web site for job opportunities.