Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston) stands as the sole production facility for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the United States, a cornerstone of automotive manufacturing located in Ladson, South Carolina. Since its inception in 2006, this plant has been a powerhouse, assembling over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and eSprinter vans destined for customers across the U.S. and Canada. This impressive output solidifies the U.S. as the second-largest market for Sprinter vans globally, just behind Germany, highlighting the significant role of the Charleston facility in the Mercedes-Benz global network.
The commitment of Mercedes-Benz to its Charleston operations is evident in the substantial investment of over $500 million USD in 2018. This expansion project significantly enhanced the plant’s capabilities, introducing a state-of-the-art Body Shop, a modern Paint Shop, and an extension to the existing Assembly Shop. These additions enabled full, part-by-part assembly of Metris and Sprinter vans directly in Charleston, marking a major leap in production autonomy and efficiency.
In the years following this expansion, MBV Charleston has consistently achieved remarkable milestones. 2021 marked the 15-year anniversary of SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina, a testament to the plant’s enduring presence and growth. The following year, 2022, saw the celebration of the 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter van produced, further underscoring the plant’s enhanced production capacity. This momentum culminated in a record-setting year in 2023, with over 50,000 vans assembled, demonstrating the facility’s operational excellence and increasing demand for Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Charleston’s strategic importance within the Mercedes-Benz global network was further cemented when it was chosen as the pioneering plant for the production of the all-new eSprinter van. This decision represented another significant investment of nearly $60 million USD, dedicated to equipping the facility for electric vehicle manufacturing. Production of the eSprinter commenced in January 2024, and within just four months, the team celebrated the production of the 1,000th eSprinter van, showcasing rapid adaptation and expertise in electric vehicle assembly.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is a major employer in the region, boasting a team of over 1,600 individuals. Beyond direct employment, the plant supports at least 500 additional on-site jobs through its network of suppliers. The broader economic impact is even more substantial, with an estimated 15,000* jobs supported within the wider region through suppliers and service providers. This ripple effect highlights the significant contribution of Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston to the local and national economy.
*Based on estimates from the Economic Policy Institute that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 9.4 additional American jobs.
Beyond economic contributions, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is deeply invested in the local community. Since 2006, the company has donated over $2,100,000 to local non-profits and schools, with a strong focus on STEM programs, fostering the next generation of talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Furthermore, MBV Charleston team members have volunteered over 1,100 hours to community initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and local engagement. For individuals seeking Mercedes Benz Charleston Sc Jobs, MBV Charleston offers not just employment, but an opportunity to be part of a company that is a leader in automotive innovation and a dedicated community partner.
