Needed:  30 to 50 welders by Christmas.  Liebherr Mining Equipment Company in Newport News, Virginia is facing a welder shortage due to increasing demand for their product line.  It is a challenging problem for many companies across the country.   

“We are looking to increase production in our plant,” says Ryan Wood, Human Resources Employment Specialist, who was in Troy recently to speak with students.  “In order to do that, we need employees and we need them now.” 

Liebherr is offering full-time positions and beginning wages of $14.00 per hour, relocation assistance, full benefits, and education assistance to attract new employees.  The company currently runs two shifts: 6:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Those working second shift are paid an additional 50 cents per hour shift differential.  Paid overtime is a possibility during the week and weekends.

Two years experience or Hobart Institute training is expected of prospective employees.   New employees must pass an entrance qualification test and Liebherr recognizes the Hobart Institute’s Welder Certification and Qualification services and accepts the testing done at HIWT. 

“We recognize that Hobart Institute’s training program produces welders who have the qualifications we are seeking in new employees,” says Ryan. 

“Be there. Be on time. Be in their work area. Be productive.” A strong work ethic is very important to this company as are safe working habits in this non-union working environment.   

“Safety is key,” says Ryan.  “A safety coordinator works within our fabrication shop to make sure that employees are trained and following the safety guidelines.”

“Cooperation between our school and welding employers is very beneficial to our students,” says Terry Brown, Admissions and Placement Representative of Hobart Institute.  “And the work ethic aspect is one we hear echoed throughout the welding industry.” 

Located along the east coast of Virginia, residents of the Newport News area can enjoy the benefits of living near the ocean, the activities offered by life in the big city, tourism and historical areas, and are yet within an easy drive to fishing areas and rural communities.  

Liebherr Mining Equipment Company designs and manufactures diesel electric haul trucks ranging in size from 200 to the “World’s Largest Haul Truck” at 400 short tons of payload capacity. The range of mining trucks use high horsepower diesel engines combined with electric drive systems to contribute to the hauling efficiency required by large, open pit mines.   

The plant in Virginia uses flux and metal cored welding processes in manufacturing and refurbishing the mining equipment in the plant that welds, paints, and assembles the equipment for use in the United States and throughout the world. 

Established in 1970, the Newport News production site is part of the Liebherr Group, a family business that was established in 1949 by Dr. Hans Liebherr when he manufactured the first mobile, easy-to-assemble and affordable tower crane.  It is the largest, privately owned construction equipment manufacturer in the world and a supplier of technically innovative, user-oriented products and services.  The group is now divided into over 100 company units that operate independently throughout the world with a workforce of over 23,000 people.  There are over 350 employed at the Newport News facility.  

 Further information may be obtained from:
Liebherr Mining Equipment Ltd.
Attn:  Ryan Wood
4100 Chestnut Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 245-5251
URL:  http://www.liebherr.com
E-mail: ryan.wood@lme.liebherr.com