NEWS - Manufacturing

By Ray Steele
SBJ Editor

With a snip of the ribbon, Mercedes-Benz is officially shipping vehicles to dealerships across the South through it’s new Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) in the Brunswick Port.  The grand opening is the culmination of last year’s decision by Mercedes-Benz to move its VPC from Jacksonville, bringing more than 40 jobs to Brunswick.

“Today's event is a prime example of the impact one company can have on a community and why job creation is our top priority. We are proud to welcome Mercedes-Benz and stand ready to assist and support them as they continue to invest in Georgia," said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.

The Brunswick Vehicle Preparation Center in its entirety consists of four structures totaling more than 103,000 sq. ft on a 50 acre site.  It is one of five VPC facilities in the U.S. that serve as the first stop – after U.S. Customs – for new Mercedes-Benz vehicles destined for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the United States. Located in Glynn County on the south side of Colonels Island, the Brunswick VPC will process vehicles headed for Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the Southern Region, Texas and Oklahoma.   

"The opening of the new VPC, and the choice of this location, represents our ongoing commitment to drive operational efficiencies that ensure we are giving our dealers what they need to provide the very highest levels of customer satisfaction," said Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.  "This new facility has already enabled reductions in terms of cost and time in the delivery of new vehicles and this is obviously to the benefit of our customers."

The VPC is capable of accessory installation, full body shop operations, and vehicle detailing and distribution operations.  The VPC is also in the process of being LEED Certified as it incorporates components that are environmentally friendly from water use reduction to indoor environmental quality controls including use of daylight in 75 percent of spaces, thermal monitors and construction materials.