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I just hope they diversify the product lineup at that plant. The market for sedans has been declining. If they don’t do some SUVs in there, the plant could actually become an economic liability.
I just hope they diversify the product lineup at that plant. The market for sedans has been declining. If they don’t do some SUVs in there, the plant could actually become an economic liability.
Volvo is owned by Geely Automotive (a Chinese company). Geely has been chomping at the bit to get into the American market. Do not be surprised if the Volvo's coming out of that plant are closer related to Geely vehicles that traditional Volvos. Also that plant could be easily be turned from making Volvo's to making Geely vehicles. Additionally, they bought enough land to build another plant. I could invision two plants there. One making Volvo's and one making Geely vehicles.
Volvo is owned by Geely Automotive (a Chinese company). Geely has been chomping at the bit to get into the American market. Do not be surprised if the Volvo's coming out of that plant are closer related to Geely vehicles that traditional Volvos. Also that plant could be easily be turned from making Volvo's to making Geely vehicles. Additionally, they bought enough land to build another plant. I could invision two plants there. One making Volvo's and one making Geely vehicles.
Volvo has already committed to 4k~ jobs haven't they and that was difficult enough to find qualified people to work there. Another few thousand for Geely will require a lot of growth in the area I'd guess.
The account I read said they're getting into SUV's next year.
That is correct .... SUV production is scheduled to start this time next year... which then brings the employment levels up to the aforementioned 4000 employees.
Since so much of the manufacturing process ... much like Boeing... is done robotically ... the area is short of workers who have skills using / manageing robots. It is my understanding that Trident currently has robotic training courses to try to help fill the gap.
That is correct .... SUV production is scheduled to start this time next year... which then brings the employment levels up to the aforementioned 4000 employees.
Since so much of the manufacturing process ... much like Boeing... is done robotically ... the area is short of workers who have skills using / manageing robots. It is my understanding that Trident currently has robotic training courses to try to help fill the gap.
Its not the skills. Its the pay. Many people that have the skills are not going to work for $14 a hour.
That is correct .... SUV production is scheduled to start this time next year... which then brings the employment levels up to the aforementioned 4000 employees.
Since so much of the manufacturing process ... much like Boeing... is done robotically ... the area is short of workers who have skills using / manageing robots. It is my understanding that Trident currently has robotic training courses to try to help fill the gap.
Boeing doesn't really use a lot of robots. Airplane making is one of the least automated industries.
Volvo has already committed to 4k~ jobs haven't they and that was difficult enough to find qualified people to work there. Another few thousand for Geely will require a lot of growth in the area I'd guess.
It's difficult finding people of any kind. Unemployment is way too low. The last couple percent left are the bottom of the barrel that nobody else wanted and it's unlikely they were automotive robotics engineers and technicians. Volvo's workforce will likely have to be imported from throughout the country, but since the automotive industry seems to be doing well everywhere and unemployment is low nationwide, it's probably slim pickin's.
Either way, its good diversity for Charleston's economy and it's good it'll drive growth away from the center of the metro.
Volvo is owned by Geely Automotive (a Chinese company). Geely has been chomping at the bit to get into the American market. Do not be surprised if the Volvo's coming out of that plant are closer related to Geely vehicles that traditional Volvos. Also that plant could be easily be turned from making Volvo's to making Geely vehicles. Additionally, they bought enough land to build another plant. I could invision two plants there. One making Volvo's and one making Geely vehicles.
I doubt Geely will ever get a good foothold in America. It's best bet is to sell to America via familiar non-Chinese nameplates like Volvo. Chinese brands have such a bad stigma, I doubt they would be taken seriously (Fiat for example). It would help to lower cost of cars, but the trend in the US is to buy more expensive SUVs and trucks. Lower income people would rather just own older luxury vehicles, trucks and SUVs than cheaper new cars.
As far as buying land, I'd take that with a grain of salt. Most companies like to buy land to secure area around the factory in case they want to expand. If expansion plans fall apart, land in a place like Charleston will be worth more later anyway. It's a good place to stash money, but it doesn't necessarily mean expansion is inevitable.
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