After a difficult 2009, Liebherr Mining Equipment Co. plans to hire about 80 workers, a company spokeswoman told The Virginian-Pilot last week. Liebherr produces large mining trucks and laid off 49 employees from its Newport News, Va., plant last summer. This year it has already hired 30 and plans to hire 50 more in manufacturing, engineering and sales.

When the hiring is completed, the plant will employ more than 450 people, the company said. Liebherr plans to invest $15 million in the plant during the next three years to more than double production.