Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston) stands as a pivotal manufacturing hub in the United States, uniquely positioned as the sole Mercedes-Benz Vans production facility in the country. Since its inception in 2006 in Ladson, South Carolina, this plant has been instrumental in assembling over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and the pioneering eSprinter vans. These vehicles are crucial for meeting demands across the U.S. and Canada, solidifying the region as the second-largest global market for Sprinter vans, trailing only Germany.
In a significant move to bolster its production capabilities and commitment to the American market, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston undertook a substantial $500 million expansion in 2018. This investment facilitated the integration of state-of-the-art facilities, including a new Body Shop, a Paint Shop, and an extension to the existing Assembly Shop. This expansion marked a transformative shift, enabling full, part-by-part assembly of both the Metris and Sprinter vans directly at the Charleston facility.
The Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston plant has consistently achieved remarkable milestones. In 2021, the facility proudly commemorated 15 years of successful SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina, highlighting its long-term operational excellence. The following year, 2022, marked the production of the 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter van, a testament to the plant’s enhanced assembly line and efficiency. Continuing its upward trajectory, 2023 saw a record-breaking year with over 50,000 vans assembled, setting a new plant milestone for Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston.
Further cementing its role as a leader in automotive innovation, MBV Charleston was selected as the premier global site within the Mercedes-Benz Vans production network to produce the all-new eSprinter van. This strategic decision involved an additional investment of nearly $60 million, dedicated to equipping the facility for electric vehicle manufacturing. Production of the eSprinter commenced in January 2024, and within just four months, the Charleston team celebrated the production of their 1,000th eSprinter van, showcasing rapid adoption and expertise in electric vehicle assembly.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is a major employer in the region, providing jobs for over 1,600 team members. Beyond direct employment, the facility supports at least 500 additional on-site positions through its network of suppliers. The broader economic impact is even more substantial, with estimates indicating approximately 15,000* jobs supported within the wider supplier and service provider ecosystem in the region. Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is deeply committed to the local community, demonstrated by over $2,100,000 in donations to local non-profits and schools through STEM programs since 2006, and over 1,100 hours of employee volunteer work, reinforcing its dedication to social responsibility and community enrichment in Charleston and South Carolina.
*Based on estimates from the Economic Policy Institute that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 9.4 additional American jobs.
