Daimler to move Freightliner, Western Star production to the Carolinas
Daimler Truck North America announced it is moving its Freightliner and Western Star production lines out of Portland, Ore., and to factories in North and South Carolina.
Daimler said 375 workers will be laid off, though some could be offered positions elsewhere in the company. Its North American headquarters will remain in Portland.
According to reports, DTNA informed employees on July 29 of the plan to relocate manufacturing operations “as part of a broader effort to optimize its production network and align resources with future business needs.”
Besides Portland, Daimler North America has five assembly plants, including Cleveland, N.C., and Fort Mill, S.C. It also has three plants in Mexico.
Earlier this month, Daimler opened a $40 million engineering hub at its Portland headquarters.
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Why is that? Manufacturing is not in Canada now, so it’s not like they’re tearing up Canadian contracts or anything. They are moving entirely from and to the USA. That’s got nothing to do with Canada.
A perfect example of tariff application.
Impose a tariff against ALL Daimler Benz trucks that are not manufactured and/or assembled and sold in Canada.
Carney needs to grow a pair. The United States needs Canada just as muchas Canada needs them.
Sounds like someone is moving operations from a “blue” state to a “red” state, that has lower taxes and, probably, lower wages. Maybe even break a union
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Good observation.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Oregon government inserts wording in future construction/supply contracts (and requires cities to insert the same wording):
No Freightliner or Western Star trucks are to be used on the job site/materials ordered are to be delivered using trucks not manufactured by Freightliner or Western Star.
For anyone that is remotely familiar with the business environment in the city of Portland, OR, this is a no brainer… Portland is NOT business friendly, the southern US states in general treat anyone that wants to invest there very well.
So, not surprising.
And for those that think this has anything to do with tariffs, have a look at the map folks.
If they do this, then Canada needs to say, okay, you will be charged a premium to sell in Canada now. Now we also need to look at other manufacturers such as MAN, DAF, Hyundai. Sino etc. They make an excellent well appointed tractor.