CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Volkswagen AG is ready to start hiring for its new Chattanooga assembly plant, starting with about 50 jobs related to purchasing and the start of construction.

VW spokeswoman Jill Bratina said the automaker will seek applicants for the "very specialized" jobs in weekend newspaper ads.

Bratina said Volkswagen is focused on first hiring about 50 people for "purchasing...suppliers for construction and other elements" for the $1 billion plant.

She said from those applicants the company plans an Aug. 6 "invitation event" in Chattanooga.

Bratina said Volkswagen also plans an "open house in the middle of September" in Chattanooga. She said the company then will begin taking resumes and applications and meeting with prospective suppliers.

Production at the Enterprise South industrial park plant is set to begin in early 2011.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)