Western Star Announces Plans For Move

Western Star Trucks has announced details about its plans to move its manufacturing and other operations.

from Kelowna, British Columbia, to Portland, Ore., a decision announced last October.
The company is making a $16 million investment to prepare the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant for Western Star heavy-duty truck production. In addition, Western Star engineering, manufacturing, customer support and other technical staff are relocating to Portland. Portland production of Western Star trucks begins in October 2002.
“Western Star is renowned for delivering distinctive, high quality trucks and providing superb customer support,” said Rainer Schmueckle, President and CEO, Freightliner LLC, parent company of Western Star. “During and after these operational changes, we are committed to maintaining the quality, unique character and prestige of the Western Star brand.”
The Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant is undergoing major renovations to prepare for Western Star production. The company is building dedicated cab, chassis and sleeper lines for the Western Star product as well as a state-of-the-art E-coat system. Throughout the plant, processes and equipment are being upgraded, added or reconfigured to build the Western Star product. In addition, the renowned Western Star Quality Assurance system is being implemented.
Western Star is currently conducting a rigorous training program for Portland Truck Plant employees that includes the development of thousands of task instructions and training courses.
Key Western Star manufacturing and operations personnel will relocate to Portland: Carsten Reinhardt, currently General Manager of Operations for Western Star in Kelowna, will become General Manager of the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant. Wayne LaRochelle, currently plant manager at Kelowna, will become Director of Manufacturing for Western Star in Portland. Tony McParland, Quality Assurance Manager for Western Star, will retain his position and relocate to Portland.
The engineering group of Western Star also will remain distinct and will relocate to Portland. Cary Gatzke, a 17-year Western Star veteran in the engineering area, will lead the Portland-based Western Star engineering team.
To advise the company on transition-related matters, Western Star has convened a special Transition Advisory Group composed of customers and dealers from the U.S. and Canada. The group has been reviewing the company’s relocation plans and advising on a variety of topics including product and service continuity. Production of Western Star trucks in Kelowna, B.C., will continue through September of this year.