PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is looking to ramp up production at its Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant in Portland, Ore. with the addition of a second shift and the creation of about 350 new jobs at the facility by the end of 2012. The additional workers represent a nearly 50% increase in personnel at the plant and will include about 330 shop employees, and an additional 20 engineering and support positions to facilitate increased production.

The Swan Island facility exclusively produces heavy-duty Western Star brand Class 8 trucks for use in mining, logging, oil field and construction, as well as on-highway trucks and other specialized vehicles.

Officials say the increase in production capacity and hiring comes in response to a strong and steady rise in Western Star orders throughout 2011 and company expectations for continued growth in 2012. The Portland plant currently employs approximately 700 shop employees and 50 engineers, managers and support staff.

“We are delighted to be able to make this announcement today here in Portland and proud of the achievements of our Western Star workforce. The growing demand for our Western Star products is testimony to our brand focus on premium customer specifications combined with our leading powertrain technology,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO of DTNA.

“Western Star is known as a serious work truck, and for good reason,” added Daum. “They’re built here in Portland with a heritage of the toughest vocational uses: logging, mining, specialized heavy hauling and military use. Despite global economic challenges, Western Star has been able to leverage its well-earned reputation and access to Daimler resources and technology to capture market share, leading to our announcement today.”

The current hiring activity is the first time since 2006 that DTNA has had open-market hiring for shop positions at this plant. Hiring of new employees will begin in November and the new production shift is slated to be at full capacity by February. A second wave of hiring is planned for next summer to support the projected increase in demand.

DTNA is accept online applications for the machinist, material handler and maintenance positions at the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant beginning Oct. 21. In addition, more than 150 positions in the fields of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and manufacturing engineering are currently open at DTNA in Portland and other company locations. Interested applicants for plant and engineering positions can apply at dtna.jobs.