Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston) stands as the sole production facility for Mercedes-Benz Vans within the United States. Located in Ladson, South Carolina, this pivotal plant has been a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz van manufacturing since 2006. To date, MBV Charleston has successfully assembled over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and eSprinter vans, destined for customers across the U.S. and Canada. This impressive output solidifies the United States as the second-largest global market for Sprinter vans, only surpassed by Germany. The strategic importance of the Mercedes-Benz vans Charleston SC facility is undeniable in the North American market.
In a significant move to bolster its U.S. operations, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston undertook a substantial expansion in 2018, investing over $500 million. This investment facilitated the incorporation of a new Body Shop, a state-of-the-art Paint Shop, and an extension to the existing Assembly Shop. These enhancements enabled full, part-by-part assembly of both Metris and Sprinter vans directly at the Charleston plant, streamlining production and increasing efficiency for Mercedes-Benz vans Charleston SC.
The Charleston facility has consistently achieved remarkable milestones. In 2021, the plant proudly commemorated 15 years of SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina, marking a decade and a half of manufacturing excellence. The following year, 2022, witnessed another significant achievement: the production of the 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter van. This momentum continued into 2023, as MBV Charleston achieved a plant milestone by assembling a record-setting 50,000+ vans, underscoring the growing demand for Mercedes-Benz vans Charleston SC products.
Further cementing its position as a forward-thinking production hub, MBV Charleston was selected as the pioneering plant within the global Mercedes-Benz Vans production network to manufacture the all-new eSprinter van. This initiative represented an additional investment of nearly $60 million in the Mercedes-Benz vans Charleston SC operation. eSprinter production commenced in January 2024, and within a mere four months, the dedicated MBV Charleston team celebrated the production of their 1,000th eSprinter van, demonstrating rapid scaling and expertise in electric vehicle manufacturing.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston employs over 1,600 team members, creating substantial economic opportunities in the region. Beyond direct employment, the facility supports at least 500 additional on-site jobs through its network of suppliers. The broader economic impact is estimated to extend to 15,000* jobs with suppliers and service providers in the surrounding area, highlighting the significant ripple effect of Mercedes-Benz vans Charleston SC on the local economy. Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is also deeply committed to community engagement, having donated over $2,100,000 to local non-profits and schools through STEM programs since 2006, alongside more than 1,100 volunteer hours contributed by its employees.
*Based on estimates from the Economic Policy Institute that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 9.4 additional American jobs, the Mercedes-Benz vans Charleston SC plant is a major job creator.
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