Western Star Finalizes Move to Oregon

Completing a plan laid out in October 2001, Western Star Trucks said Wednesday it has begun an investment program to move its manufacturing operations to Portland, Ore., from Kelowna, British Columbia.

Western Star, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG’s U.S. truck unit Freightliner LLC, produces trucks for “severe service” in industries like logging and mining, in addition to its custom long-haul truck products.

The investment program will pump $16 million into the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant, the company said in a release. The investment will cover upgrades to manufacturing lines at the plant as well as improvements to equipment and manufacturing processes.

"Our goal is to preserve and enhance the distinct manufacturing processes that create this unique heavy-duty truck," said Roger Nielsen, chief operating officer for Freightliner. "While we are moving production locations, Western Star trucks will retain the same custom-built, handcrafted quality for which they are famous."

The company said the Portland facility is ideal because it has built several specialized vehicles for customers like the U.S. military and products like airport rescue and response vehicles.

"Employees at the Portland truck plant are accustomed to building smaller-run, customized vehicles, including trucks with planetary axles, heavy suspensions and extreme-duty components," Nielsen said.

In addition to the production move, several management officials and the manufacturer’s engineering group will also be moving to Portland, the company said.