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Mercedes-Benz Constructing Million-Square-Foot Factory in South Carolina

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.—Mercedes-Benz broke ground July 27 on a $500 million factory that will employ 1,300 workers building the company’s Sprinter vans. South Carolina estimates the plant will also add another 400 jobs to in-state automotive suppliers.

The construction schedule calls for the body shop first, followed by the paint shop and then assembly lines later this year. The company reports production of the Sprinter will begin before 2020.

“We are combining all of our global expertise and experience in this plant. In doing so, we make it one of the most advanced facilities in North America,” said Frank Klein, head of operations, Mercedes-Benz Vans, in a company press release. Mercedes-Benz has a 409,000-square-foot plant today in North Charleston. Once completed, the new factory will be 1.1 million-square-feet in size.

The company reports the new factory will use modern digital connectivity.

“Focusing on connectivity like digital communications on the shop floor, it will be most agile and adaptive to respond fast to market changes and customer needs. The workforce will undergo comprehensive technical trainings to ensure a smooth and successful production ramp-up,” according to the release. The company said job applications will be available starting in mid-2017.

“We are proud to say that Mercedes-Benz vans will now be made in South Carolina,” said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the release. “Today’s groundbreaking, and the 1,300 jobs it means, will build on the successful partnership that our friends at Daimler and Mercedes-Benz Vans have enjoyed with our state for years.