VW staff: 'It depends on us'

Volkswagen on Wednesday promoted 39 recently hired Hamilton County employees to team leaders as the automaker continues to build its local work force.

"The customer has so many choices," said Don Jackson, president of manufacturing for VW's Chattanooga operations, at a short ceremony where the group's members received blue ball caps signifying their new status. "It depends on us."

New team leader Lynn Gidden said she joined VW in March after seven years in the U.S. Army and 13 with the Postal Service.

"We'll launch the (new midsize sedan) triumphantly," she said at the event marking the company's first such promotions at its auto plant.

Another leader, Comekia Mikes, said joining VW is "part of a dream come true," adding she'd prayed for one job that would pay like two she'd been working.

Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president of human resources for VW in Chattanooga, told the group to have a passion for detail.

"Try to build the world's best midsize sedan. We'll have to conquer the market," he said. "We can keep our business in the U.S. if we have success. Take it personal."

Jagla said VW has hired 1,232 people in Chattanooga so far. He said VW plans to bring on a second shift next year as business demands.

VW officials said the company is on track to start production of the yet unnamed car in early 2011.

Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey said that when VW was recruited, local officials told the auto company the region had "good people" and a trainable work force.

"You're living proof of that," he said.

Ramsey told them to each encourage others to upgrade their educational level.

"You can't talk about jobs without talking about education," he said. VW expects to hire between 2,000 and 2,500 workers when the $1 billion plant is fully operating.

Ramsey joked to the team leaders to make sure they "get the car right. I'm buying one of them."

Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.

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