Construction Begins at Mercedes West Coast Regional Facility
Mercedes-Benz has begun construction on their new Mercedes West Coast regional facility in Long Beach, which will serve as the new home of the company’s Vehicle Preparation Center, Western Region and Learning & Performance Offices.
The massive two-building facility will total 1,091,754 square-feet on a 52.2 acre lot that previously served as the Boeing 717 aircraft manufacturing facility until its closure in 2006. Business operations are expected to being in Q1 2015.
“Southern California is the car culture capital of the world and it remains one of the largest markets for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Hollywood, great weather, a passion for the automobile and continued growth of the luxury market have all contributed to this singular position,” said Dietmar Exler, vice president of sales for MBUSA, at the commencement ceremony. “Thirty years ago Mercedes-Benz planted roots in Southern California and expanding sales volume necessitates that we have the most efficient and effective structure to support our dealers in providing a world-class customer experience.”
Operations of the Mercedes West Coast regional facility include: receiving import vehicles, inventory management, port of entry services, shipping and wholesaling, vehicle inspection, and factory quality checks at the Vehicle Preparation Center; sales and fixed operations for 82 Mercedes-Benz dealerships across 12 states at the Western Region Office; and training to dealership and MBUSA employees at the Learning & Performance Center.
“I am thrilled Mercedes-Benz selected Long Beach as its new West Coast home,” said Bob Foster, Mayor of Long Beach. “This is an iconic brand moving into an iconic building with a plan to re-imagine the former 717 site into a state-of-the-art facility that will activate this property for many years to come.”
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