Volkswagen Chattanooga plans to hire about 150 production employees by year’s end as it meets demand for assembly of its existing vehicles and readies for building an electric SUV.
“Our goal is to extend at least 10 job offers every week for the remainder of the year,” said Tom du Plessis, president and chief executive of Volkswagen Chattanooga.
Starting Friday, VW will accept applications for production posts, with applicants having at least three combined years of experience in manufacturing, automotive mechanics or automotive repair, including assembly, welding, heavy equipment and machine operation.
The new employees will directly join the automaker rather than first working for an employment contractor.
The company said Tuesday it will hire primarily for second and third shifts with the starting hourly pay at $20, or $23.20 including a 16% bonus, with wage progressions. Starting wages for day shift is $18.50 per hour, or $21.46, with the bonus.