Working round the clock to meet Evoque demand

HUGE demand for the Range Rover Evoque has led to yet another first for the carmaker.
The 4,500-strong workforce at the company’s Halewood plant has switched to 24-hour working for the first time in a bid to keep up with orders.
Launched in July 2011, the Evoque has been a massive hit worldwide, finding success in more than 170 markets.
Switching to round-the-clock production has meant that Jaguar Land Rover has needed to recruit 1,000 production operators, supervisors and engineer, which is good news in the current economic climate.
As well as building the Evoque, the plant also makes the updated Land Rover Freelander 2.
Halewood operations director Richard Else said: “Our new recruits have worked hard during their assessments and extensive induction training. Many have also worked a number of trial night shifts during July, to ensure we get off to a great start today. I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues as they come on-board to help us meet customer demand for the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander.
“Moving production to three shifts and working 24 hours a day will allow us to significantly reduce the time a customer has to wait for their new Range Rover Evoque.”
Des Thurlby, HR director at JLR said: “With 4,500 employees, JLR Halewood has trebled its workforce in just three years – and the size of the workforce is now the highest it has been for 20 years. As well as creating new jobs, our on-going global success means we continue to have a positive economic impact in the North West and throughout the UK supply chain.”
All of JLR’s new Production Operators will also now receive up to a year of training which will lead to an Intermediate (NVQ Level 2) Apprenticeship.
“JLR is committed to investing in the skills and training of its workforce and many of the 1500 people recruited to launch the Range Rover Evoque in 2011 have already graduated with an Intermediate Apprenticeship,” added Des Thurlby. “We received more than 30,000 applications for these 1000 new roles and we are very fortunate that we were able to select such high calibre people for our new jobs.” 
The Range Rover Evoque has gained critical acclaim achieving more than 120 global awards. Crowned Top Gear Magazine Car of the Year, World Design Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year amongst others, the Range Rover Evoque continues to receive plaudits for its concept car looks, dynamic driving performance, class leading off-road skills and excellent cost of ownership.