Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston), situated at Palmetto Commerce Parkway in Ladson, South Carolina, stands as the sole Mercedes-Benz Vans production facility in the United States. Since its inception in 2006, this strategically located plant has been a powerhouse, assembling over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and eSprinter vans. These vehicles are crucial for businesses and individuals across the U.S. and Canada, making the U.S. the second-largest market for Sprinter vans globally, just behind Germany.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and the US market, MBV Charleston undertook a significant expansion in 2018, investing over $500 million. This substantial investment facilitated the addition of critical facilities, including a state-of-the-art Body Shop, a modern Paint Shop, and an expansion of the existing Assembly Shop. These enhancements enabled full part-by-part assembly of both Metris and Sprinter vans directly at the Ladson facility, enhancing production efficiency and capabilities.
The facility has marked numerous milestones, celebrating 15 years of SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina in 2021. In 2022, the plant achieved another landmark by producing its 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter. The year 2023 saw a record-setting production volume, with over 50,000 vans assembled, underscoring the plant’s increasing output and importance.
Further cementing its role in innovation, Mercedes-benz Vans Llc Palmetto Commerce Parkway Ladson Sc was chosen as the pioneering plant within the Mercedes-Benz global production network to manufacture the all-new eSprinter van. This initiative involved an additional investment of nearly $60 million. Production of the electric eSprinter commenced in January 2024, and within four months, the team proudly celebrated the production of the 1,000th eSprinter van, highlighting the rapid adoption and success of electric vehicle manufacturing at the site.
Today, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston employs over 1,600 team members and supports at least 500 additional on-site jobs through supplier partnerships. The broader economic impact extends significantly, with an estimated 15,000* jobs supported within the regional supplier and service provider network. Beyond economic contributions, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston is deeply invested in the local community, having donated over $2,100,000 to local non-profits and schools, particularly through STEM programs, since 2006. Employees have also volunteered over 1,100 hours, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to social responsibility in the Ladson, South Carolina area.
*Based on estimates from the Economic Policy Institute that every direct job in vehicle manufacturing supports 9.4 additional American jobs.
