Volkswagen officials said today that they expect to receive more than 100,000 applications for jobs at its auto assembly plant in Chattanooga.

Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president of human resources for the Chattanooga operation, said that he expects the plant will include more than originally announced 2,000 employees because some components for the new mid-size sedan could be produced at the Enterprise South industrial park site.

Mr. Jagla said that the 100th employee for Volkswagen in Chattanooga is expected to be hired this month. He said that applications for production workers are expected to be taken later this year.

Those interested in applying for one of the new VW jobs will be able to do so online or at designated locations such as local Tennessee Career Centers at that time, Mr. Jagla said.

“The first priority is local hirings,” he said.

Frank Fischer, chief executive of the Chattanooga operation for VW, said he expects the company should decide on a potential supplier park next to the plant within the next six weeks. He said that while Volkswagen prefers a supplier park, it may not happen unless it makes business sense for the company, suppliers and developers of the buildings.

The officials made their comments today as the company celebrated the opening of its 900-square-foot, temporary visitor center.

See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.