The company is to begin a recruitment drive next week, with a view to moving production into high gear over the next few months.
”We began quite close discussions on production of the Mercedes Benz A-Series at the end of July one year ago,” said Valmet’s head of communications Teija Åhlman, who added that production should be ramped up in the coming months, as preparations are entering the final stages.
The plant is currently producing test models to ensure the plant’s welding, painting and construction capabilities meet Mercedes’ exacting standards. Assuming all tests are passed, Valmet will make 100 ’Suomi Edition’ models, for sale in Finland, before commencing normal production.
In addition to the furloughed staff and the hundred to be hired this year, Åhlman estimates that around another two hundred workers will be needed before 2016.
