Volkswagen Chattanooga Announces $3,000 Bonus for Production Employees, New Hires

In a move to acknowledge the vital contributions of its production team, Volkswagen Chattanooga made an announcement today. All production and maintenance team members, as well as team leaders, will receive a $3,000 bonus. This bonus is in recognition of their tireless efforts as the team gears up for electric vehicle assembly. In addition, the company has also planned to entice new talent. They will be offering a $3,000 signing bonus to any production and maintenance team members who are hired between May 16th and October 31st, 2022.

“We intend to be the top manufacturing employer in the area,” said Burkhard Ulrich, vice president of human resources at Volkswagen Chattanooga. “The appreciation bonus for our production and maintenance team members is well deserved. We are on track for the start of ID.4 assembly this summer, a clear testament to our team’s dedication.”

In an effort to meet the increased customer demand for the Volkswagen Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4, the company’s Chattanooga facility has revealed plans to introduce a third shift to its operations from October 2022. The ramp-up is part of a larger strategy aimed at expanding the production team by an impressive 1,000 members before the end of the year.

To further sweeten the deal, Volkswagen has extended an enticing offer to potential candidates who are open to relocation. Besides the aforementioned $3,000 signing bonus, these individuals will also be eligible for a $2,500 stipend, a decision dictated by IRS regulations. This move showcases Volkswagen’s commitment to growth and their recognition of the value of a robust and dedicated workforce.

“As we grow our team to help meet customer demand and implement a third shift, we believe the signing bonus and relocation stipend will help us become an even more attractive employer in the region,” said Ulrich. “We’ve also increased our employee referral incentive from $300 to $500. For us, this was an easy decision; some of our best hires have been referred by our team members.”

Volkswagen Chattanooga is actively seeking to hire production team members to fill positions primarily for the second, third, and night shifts. The company is offering an attractive starting hourly rate of $24.40. This rate includes a shift premium and a perfect attendance bonus, reflecting the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and reliability.

For those with relevant experience, these positions are direct hires, offering stability and clear career progression. With time and demonstrated proficiency, the top-out rates can reach an impressive $33 per hour. This wage progression underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to rewarding skill and experience, and stands as a testament to the company’s value placed on its workforce.

The Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, a significant hub for the automobile giant, commenced its operations in April 2011. Over a decade later, the facility proudly employs more than 4,000 dedicated team members, further solidifying its standing as a key player in the region’s economy. The plant is responsible for assembling the popular Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models, vehicles known for their performance and reliability.

However, the plant’s role is set to become even more pivotal. In a move underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility, Volkswagen has announced plans to transform this facility into its North American base for electric vehicle and battery pack assembly. This significant upgrade, slated to be completed in 2022, will see the addition of the highly anticipated ID.4 model to the Chattanooga assembly lines, marking a new era in Volkswagen’s production capabilities and dedication to greener alternatives.