PORTLAND, OR. — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced last week that they are renewing their commitment to the City of Portland by constructing a new headquarters and launching an education program for local schools.

“As we prepare for our future, our new headquarters building in Portland will position us for long-term business optimization and efficiencies while enhancing the employee experience in a contemporary, environmentally friendly and technically advanced facility,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO, Daimler Trucks North America.

The new 265,000 square foot corporate headquarters will have two functions: to merge DTNA employees currently located in offices separated by the Willamette River and to accommodate approximately 400 new positions in Portland that the company anticipates it will need in conjunction with future business growth.

Total cost for the new HQ? $150,000,000. It’s expected to be completed by 2016.

“This is great news for the local workforce – those working for Daimler Trucks North America as well as suppliers, subcontractors, and partners,” said Mayor Charlie Hales. “I am confident Daimler will continue to flourish here in Portland, and I look forward to collaborating with them for years to come.”

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber was also on hand for the announcement. “Daimler Trucks North America has been headquartered in Portland for more than 70 years,” he noted, “contributing significantly to Oregon’s economy by producing world-class products and well-paying jobs.”

Daimler also announced the launch of their new “Education in Motion” campaign, a collection of corporate giving initiatives benefiting science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in 34 Portland metro area and Southwest Washington schools.

Two of the campaign’s initiatives, Pathways to Manufacturing and the Daimler Educational Outreach program, will get an infusion of $330,000 in donations.

“There is a significant gap between available manufacturing jobs in Portland and the pool of skilled workers in Portland,” said Roger Nielsen, chief operating officer, Daimler Trucks North America. “By supporting today’s students to get ahead in science, technology, engineering, and math, we hope to encourage them to stay in school and prepare to pursue the rewarding careers available to them in manufacturing.”

In the 1940s, Leland James began manufacturing trucks in Portland as the Freightliner Corporation. In 1981, Daimler-Benz AG (now Daimler AG) purchased Freightliner Trucks from Consolidated Freightways.