Mercedes-Benz USA choose Brunswick for its VPC

Governor Sonny has recently congratulated Mercedes-Benz USA the US subsidiary and distributor of quality Mercedes products such as Mercedes 300E parts for choosing Brunswick as its site for its new vehicle preparation center (VPC) for vehicles being imported into the US.

According to Governor Sonny Perdue, "We have made wise investments in replacing the Sidney Lanier Bridge, deepening the Brunswick Harbor, completing the overpass on Highway 17 and constructing the North/South connector road on Colonel’s Island. Mercedes-Benz USA is the first of what I hope will be many of our state’s customers to benefit from our increased accessibility for automobile manufacturers."

In addition Mercedes-Benz USA has also announced that there would be an additional of 50,000 imports through Brunswick which will be consolidated with the more than 75,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles that are currently being exported through the Port of Brunswick each year. This consolidation was likened to what Hyundai/Kia has done in recent years to combine its import operations in Brunswick.

Ernst Lieb, president & CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA said, "The move to Brunswick represents a tremendous opportunity for Mercedes-Benz in terms of further improving efficiencies for our southeast Vehicle Preparation Center - one of the critical steps in the process of bringing new vehicles to market. The proximity to the port, combined with better railroad and highway access and room for expansion, make Brunswick an excellent location for this facility. With quality being our top priority, the new VPC is an important step toward consistently delivering the best vehicles to our dealerships and ultimately our customers."

The recent announcement will either create or transfer 41 Mercedes-Benz USA jobs in Brunswick that is in addition to the other jobs that will be generated in the rail, shipping, and trucking industries. The present vehicle preparation center of the US subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz is located in Jacksonville.

Mercedes-Benz USA is expecting for the completion of the ongoing facility by the first quarter of 2009. The Vehicle Preparation Center is going to be the first stop for new vehicles bounded for Mercedes-Benz dealerships through out the United States after it pass through the US Customs. The Vehicle Preparation Center is the final quality inspection point and it is equipped with advanced computerized control systems and inspection facilities designed to ensure the high quality condition of each vehicle. After the rigid inspection process that is only the time the vehicles are released.

According to Georgia Ports Authority Chairman of the Board Mack Mattingly, “The harbor deepening and new access to the south side of Colonel’s Island means the Brunswick Port can meet the needs of any automaker in the world. Mercedes-Benz USA has achieved 13 consecutive years of sales growth, and we are proud that they will continue to grow and thrive because of increased efficiencies provided by this new facility.”

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.