Daimler to Lay Off About 600, Less Than Half Original Estimate

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Daimler Trucks North America said it plans to lay off about 600 factory workers, less than half the number it initially projected earlier this year.

DTNA President Martin Daum said the layoffs were taking place at plants in Cleveland, N.C., and Portland, Ore. In addition, he said none of the layoffs would involve its medium-duty segment.

Daum spoke with Transport Topics here Thursday at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

He noted the company had added 3,000 employees during 2012, but had to prepare for reductions as orders slowed. However, a recent uptick in orders led to the decision to limit the reductions to fewer than 600 from its initially announced 1,300.