DAF is believed to be planning a production plant in Eastern Europe. The Dutch press quotes sources within DAF as saying its Eindhoven plant has been working to full capacity for some time and that it aims to expand production in Eastern Europe. DAF has increased its European market share significantly since it came under the control of Paccar 11 years ago it currently holds 14.5% of the market over 15 tonnes GVW and plans to boost this to 20%.
DAF has also increased sales in Eastern Europe
and expects more growth in the region soon, which would tie in with plans to expand production in the East. Industry insiders expect DAF to make a decision on the new location before the end of this year.
It would not be easy for DAF to expand its workforce in Holland as workers are scarce and relatively well paid when compared with Eastern European personnel. DAF currently employs 4,500 people in Eindhoven and 2,200 at its Westerlo cab plant in Belgium. In the UK it has the Paccar-owned Leyland plant. Total production is running at 200 trucks a day. This is due to rise to 250 trucks next year by 2015, with the new plant in operation, Daf intends to produce 400 trucks a day.
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