Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston) stands as the sole production facility for Mercedes-Benz Vans within the United States, a cornerstone of manufacturing excellence since 2006. Located in Ladson, South Carolina, this state-of-the-art plant has proudly assembled over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and eSprinter vans. These vehicles are not just for the US market but are also delivered across Canada, solidifying the US as the second-largest market for Sprinter vans globally, only after Germany. This impressive output underscores the critical role Mercedes Vans Charleston plays in the North American automotive landscape.
Expanding Production and Capabilities in Charleston
Demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and innovation, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston undertook a significant expansion in 2018, investing over $500 million. This substantial investment facilitated the integration of a comprehensive Body Shop, a modern Paint Shop, and an extension to the existing Assembly Shop. These enhancements enabled full, part-by-part assembly of both the Metris and Sprinter vans directly at the Charleston facility. This move significantly boosted production efficiency and localized the manufacturing process, marking a new era for Mercedes-Benz van production in the US.
Just a few years following this major expansion, in 2021, the Charleston plant commemorated its 15th anniversary of SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina. The milestones continued to accumulate, with 2022 marking the production of the 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter van. In 2023, the facility achieved a record-setting year, assembling over 50,000 vans, highlighting the increasing demand and operational excellence at Mercedes Vans Charleston.
Leading the Charge in Electric Vehicle Production: The eSprinter
Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is not just focused on current successes; it’s also driving the future of electric mobility. Selected as the pioneering plant within the global Mercedes-Benz Vans production network to produce the all-new eSprinter van, Charleston represents a forward-thinking approach to automotive manufacturing. This initiative involved an additional investment of nearly $60 million, further cementing the plant’s importance. 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 adoption and efficient manufacturing of electric vans in Charleston.
A Pillar of the Charleston Community and Economy
Today, Mercedes Vans Charleston is more than just a production plant; it’s a major employer and community supporter. With over 1,600 team members directly employed and at least 500 additional on-site jobs provided through suppliers, the facility is a significant economic engine. The broader impact extends even further, with an estimated 15,000* jobs supported in the wider region through suppliers and service providers. Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston actively reinvests in the local community, having donated over $2,100,000 to local non-profits and schools via STEM programs since 2006, alongside more than 1,100 volunteer hours contributed by its employees.
Mercedes Vans Charleston is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to US manufacturing, innovation, and community engagement, continuing to drive forward as a vital hub for van production and electric vehicle advancement.
*Based on estimates from the Economic Policy Institute that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 9.4 additional American jobs.
