Volvo to Hire 100-150 New Workers at Plant in Bid to Boost Daily Auto Production

STOCKHOLM, Sweden November 16, 2004; The AP reported that Swedish automaker Volvo said Tuesday it will hire between 100 and 150 new workers to help increase production at its main assembly plant, a spokesman said Tuesday.

The temporary workers, who will be hired at the beginning of 2005, will ensure that production continues while other workers take their mandated coffee breaks during mornings and afternoons, said Volvo spokesman Christer Gustafsson.

He said by having them, the carmaker -- which is a unit of Ford Motor Co. -- can boost its weekly production by 300-350 cars. The workers will be hired for eight-month shifts.

Swedish labor law is strict about making sure workers get ample break time and employees often take two coffee breaks a day. The temporary workers will not be on the job during lunch and supper breaks, when production at the plant stops for an hour.

"We have strong sales and need to the make the most of our production resources," Gustafsson said, adding that the contract calls for the new employees to work from January-August.

"Then we will see if there is reason enough to go on for another period. That depends on the order intake," he said.

Volvo now employees about 5,500 workers at the Goteborg plant and produces between 4,000 and 4,100 sedans and wagons a week.