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VW Expecting 100,000 Applicants For Jobs At Chattanooga Plant

More Than 2,000 Production Jobs Set At Enterprise South

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Volkswagen officials said Tuesday they expect to have 100,000 applicants for jobs at the new plant at the Enterprise South Industrial Park.

There will be more than 2,000 production jobs, it was stated.

VW plans to begin accepting job applications in late fall.

Frank Fischer, president of the VW operation, said officials are trying to secure financing for a supplier park next to the VW plant. He said officials should know in 4-6 weeks whether that will be feasible.

He said in the current down economy that outside investment will be necessary to help the suppliers build facilities next to the VW plant. He said talks are ongoing with some private investors.

Officials said it will be necessary that some suppliers are close to the plant, though not necessarily in a supplier park.

Local officials have been counting on the supplier park bringing thousands of additional jobs to Hamilton County.

It was also announced that the contract for providing the painting equipment for the VW plant was awarded to an Illinois firm-Eisenmann Corporation. The main sub-contractor will be the Durr firm.

Officials said Volkswagen will use an environmentally-friendly water-based paint. The process will allow VW to switch paint colors quickly without having to blow out leftover paint from the lines. VW officials said they will use a method that eliminates one step of the drying process and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent.

The walls of the paint shop are up and construction has also started on the assembly plant and the training center.

VW officials on Tuesday unveiled a new visitor center perched on a hill overlooking the plant site. Volkswagen will use the facility to give an overview of the plant as it is being built for special groups and invited guests. Officials said an exact site has still not been chosen for a planned welcome center near Interstate 75.


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