Staff recruitment for Cargotec's multi-assembly unit in Poland has started - an initial 50 employees will be hired this year.

Cargotec Corp's new multi-assembly unit (MAU) in Stargard Szcsencinksi in Northern Poland will have 200 new employees by the time it starts production in the second quarter of 2010.

The MAU, which will support the production of a wide range of cargo-handling equipment, is a key part of Cargotec's long-term global supply strategy. It will serve the European markets, lower production and transportation costs, and boost the company's sourcing activities in Central Eastern Europe (CEE).

"We already source from CEE but we want to increase our activity more and one requirement to do so successfully is to actually be present," explains Cargotec spokesperson Lotta Clausen. "The distance between the supplier and the production unit has an effect on the total cost levels."

It is too early to say which of Cargotec's range of cargo-handling equipment will be produced in Poland, Clausen says. "It depends on the customer demand and we [always] monitor and react to the market situation and future developments."

Recruitment of MAU personnel has started and an initial 50 employees will be hired this year.

"When production starts in 2010, we plan to have [a total of] 200 employees - about 60 white-collar workers and the rest blue-collar," Clausen says.

She adds that the white-collar workers will be expected to be skilled in English while the blue-collar workers need to be educated in technical subjects.

Cargotec will invest about EUR30 million (USD44 million) into the project and it says the MAU will be the most modern and energy-efficient assembly unit in the corporation. The plant, covering a 26-hectare (64-acre) area, will have a carbon neutral heating solution and waste treatment designed in partnership with "the best service providers". Cargotec is currently studying alternative energy sources for electricity to power the plant.

Prior to the plant's completion, Cargotec will assemble spreaders and medium-range terminal tractors in rented facilities in the Goleniów region in Poland.

"The main reason is to ensure we are ready to start production in 2010. We need time to plan and prepare regarding production, quality, logistics, documentation and training," Clausen explains.