Mercedes to Move U.S. Prep Center

Mercedes-Benz USA says it will move its Vehicle Preparation Center operations from Jacksonville, FL, to a new facility in Brunswick, GA.

Construction of the 50,000-sq.-ft. (4,645-sq.-m) facility is expected to be completed in first-quarter 2009.

Mercedes is in the process of acquiring 50-acre (20-ha) site for the new facility, which will be capable of processing 50,000 vehicles annually. It also will house accessory installation functions, a full body shop, homologation operations and vehicle detailing and distribution activities.

Mercedes says the new site will employ the same number of workers, and all 41 employees at the existing facility will have the opportunity to relocate to the Brunswick operation, about 65 miles (105 km) north of Jacksonville.