In the latest of a series of
initiatives aimed at ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction,
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) broke ground today in Brunswick, Georgia,
officially commencing construction of a new Vehicle Preparation Center
(VPC). The target date for completion of the new facility is the summer of
2009. It will replace the company's existing facility in Jacksonville,
Florida.
The new Glynn County facility will deliver improved efficiencies in the
company's inspection and vehicle preparation service as MBUSA prepares for
continued sales volume growth in the U.S. market.
"Our top priority is optimizing our capability to meet the demand of
our customers while ensuring that we continue to affect higher and higher
levels of customer satisfaction," said MBUSA Vice President of Finance
Norbert Litzkow at the ground breaking ceremony today. "Our new preparation
facility in Brunswick will play an important role in maintaining a
competitive advantage."
The new dockside 70,000 square-foot facility is planned to be built on
50 acres of land recently acquired by MBUSA. Due to its proximity to the
port, vehicle processing time will be improved, thereby delivering vehicles
to the market more efficiently. It is estimated that the facility will
process approximately 50,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles annually. The VPC will
also be capable of accessory installation, full body shop operations,
homologation operations, and vehicle detailing and distribution operations.
"Georgia's logistics advantages have once again attracted a great
company and new jobs for our citizens," said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.
"This underscores the ability of our ports to expand and our people to
efficiently attract and handle new business. We are confident Mercedes-Benz
USA will thrive in Georgia."
Vehicle Preparation Centers are the first stop -- after U.S. Customs --
for new Mercedes-Benz vehicles destined for Mercedes-Benz dealerships
throughout the United States. It is the final quality inspection point,
equipped with advanced computerized control systems and inspection
facilities designed to ensure the high quality condition of each new
vehicle. Vehicles are released only after they have been thoroughly
inspected and have met the high standard of Mercedes-Benz. The Brunswick
VPC will process vehicles headed for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout
the Southern Region, Texas and Oklahoma.
Following the standard of excellence established in other Mercedes-Benz
facilities, such as the Baltimore VPC and Robbinsville, New Jersey Regional
Master Parts Distribution Center, the new Brunswick facility will be built
to combine functional design and efficiency. Plans for the building will
optimize the employees' work environment while the latest in automotive
computerized control systems will aid in vehicle preparation; ultimately
delivering the best new vehicles to the consumer.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is
responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and
Maybach products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time
sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever
in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. With
over 1,400 employees in the U.S., MBUSA has approximately 25 facilities
around the nation representing approximately 2.5 million square feet in New
Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Maryland, and
Illinois.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA
Digg
Reddit
Slashdot