PORTLAND, Ore. — Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has inked new contracts with workers at its Portland truck plant.

The plant employees are represented by four different unions and build Western Star and military trucks. DTNA had threatened to close the plant in mid-2010, however it shelved those plans in September in hopes a labour deal could be reached. Employees made some provisions that will enhance scheduling flexibility, improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, DTNA announced.

“These new contracts solidify our US production footprint and position us to continue manufacturing operations in Portland well into the future,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO of DTNA. “The negotiation process was challenging and required sacrifice and compromise from all parties involved. We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the leadership of the Portland unions and to our employees for their commitment to a productive dialog and a positive resolution.”