Austin American-Statesman (Texas) (02/27/12) Tom Krisher

Automobile sales are soaring, and auto plants are in need of workers, but the newfound success is straining the factory network of the automakers, as well as the companies that make the thousands of parts that go into each vehicle. Auto executives are hesitant to add too many workers. Still, carmakers and parts companies added more than 38,000 jobs last year, reaching an annual average of 717,000. Automakers have announced plans to add 13,000 jobs this year, mostly on night shifts. However, many parts suppliers are having trouble finding people with the right skills.