Bmw adding two production shifts at its assembly plant in Spartanburg

Two production shifts will be added to the workweek of the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. What this means, of course, is that 700 additional workers will be required. Previous BMW workers will be prioritized for employment. While the first shift would be filled immediately, the second will only be added in November.

The reason for the increase in production is the 3.6% sales increase in September, which is a remarkable record compared to an industry decrease of 26%. In a press release, Josef Kerscher, president of BMW Manufacturing, said that the company continues to guarantee the plant’s flexibility to efficiently respond to market demand. Specifically, BMW stated that for it to meet customer demand, its plant must maintain the ability to adjust shifts and staffing levels as needed. Since 1994, the Spartanburg, S.C. plant has produced more than 1.5 million vehicles.
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theoptimisticpessimist - 10/13/2009 4:46:17 PM

+7 Boost

For the record, just saw the new 5er GT. Interior=perfection. Exterior, well, if weird has a car this it.

JRobUSC - 10/13/2009 8:13:46 PM

+3 Boost

I just got invited to a dealer showing of the car in a week and a half, I guess BMW is bringing it around the country. I'm excited to see it. Maybe I can get the wife out of the SUV's finally.

222max - 10/13/2009 4:53:22 PM

+7 Boost

It's good to hear about workers being called back. Good news no matter how you look at it.

LexSucks - 10/13/2009 9:29:02 PM

-1 Boost

It's Obama's fault!!

HSCenterconsole - 10/14/2009 9:20:26 AM

-1 Boost

BMW is lucky not to be saddled (or more accurately weighted down) by the UAW.

Joe_Limon - 10/14/2009 10:17:48 AM

+1 Boost

That's true, now how come non union workers can't be non temporary?

HSCenterconsole - 10/14/2009 12:22:50 PM

0 Boost

Uneducated I sound? Come on 1UAW. While I can only guess since you are an anonymous internet poster, I would bet big money I have far more education than you do. (BS in Business Admin and finishing up my MBA for the record.)

Unions are antiquated and hinder a company from reacting to changes in both market demand and business environment. No one should be guaranteed a job. Union members receive wages that are artificially inflated and higher than the going market rate. That makes the product or service they provide more expensive. This cost is passed on to the consumer.

The UAW was party responsible for the collapse of GM and Chrysler. Poor products and terrible management are both equal in blame as well. However, companies should be entirely focused on their products and customers, not satisfying unreasonable demands during collective bargaining. If employees don't like what they are getting, find another job. If they want higher wages, an education or industry specific training might help as well. UAW members on an assembly line with a high school education shouldn't be making the wages they do.

There is a reason why union membership and union popularity polling is hitting all time lows. Hopefully the "Employee Free Choice Act" and its undemocratic card check system will finally die in the Beltway.

HSCenterconsole - 10/14/2009 12:59:27 PM

0 Boost

And there is no doubt that my 3-Series was made by unionized workers. However, I'm positive it would be just as great if it was built by regular employees. Plus, the savings BMW would earn could be returned to the customer via a lower base price or more standard features. Or BMW could put the savings to R&D as well.