Mercedes-Benz USA’s Vans Division has opened its new marshalling yard in Ladson, South Carolina, a $53 million investment in infrastructure, IT development and operational restructuring.
As part of the investment, Mercedes-Benz USA has contracted with Auto Warehousing Co. to be responsible for the vehicle movements from start to finish. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz USA will use a new logistics management IT system, in line with Mercedes-Benz passenger car operations, to provide quick and accurate inventory tracking.
The new marshalling yard will be used as a holding and staging area for finished vehicles coming from the production facility, also located in Ladson, in North Charleston, South Carolina. Overall, the marshalling yard will include 50 acres, 30 carrier loading lanes, 50 EV charging stations, three inspection lanes, an all-new workshop with 22 full-size van inspection and prep stations, a full-size van wash and an all-new office building.
The marshalling yard expands on Mercedes-Benz’ commitment to the North Charleston area, where it decided, in 2015, to build a part-by-part assembly facility for the launch of its Sprinter model in the United States. The assembly plant has been up and running since 2018 and has been expanded since with additional facilities for a body shop, paint shop and final assembly area. In addition, the assembly plant has the most innovative production technologies, making it one of the most modern facilities of its kind in North America and an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz vans production network.
Mercedes-Benz recently reported sales for first quarter up 55% year to date for a total of 11,659 vans sold year to date in 2021. Also, Mercedes-Benz has announced that the eSprinter will be assembled in Ladson, South Carolina, starting in the second half of 2023.
