Mercedes-Benz Charleston, also known as Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (MBV Charleston), stands as the sole production facility for Mercedes-Benz Vans within the United States. Located in Ladson, South Carolina, this pivotal plant has been a hub of van manufacturing since 2006, having assembled over 400,000 Metris, Sprinter, and eSprinter vans. These vehicles are distributed across the U.S. and Canada, solidifying the United States as the second-largest market for Sprinter vans globally, just behind Germany.
In a significant move to enhance its production capabilities, Mercedes Charleston underwent a substantial $500 million expansion in 2018. This investment facilitated the integration of a new Body Shop, a state-of-the-art Paint Shop, and an extension to the existing Assembly Shop. These additions enabled full, part-by-part assembly of both Metris and Sprinter vans directly at the Charleston facility, marking a major advancement in its operational independence.
The Mercedes Charleston plant celebrated a landmark 15-year anniversary of SKD (semi-knockdown) production in South Carolina in 2021, reflecting its enduring presence and growth in the region. The following year, 2022, marked another milestone with the production of the 100,000th part-by-part Sprinter van, showcasing the increased efficiency and output post-expansion. In 2023, the facility achieved a record-setting production year, assembling over 50,000 vans, further cementing its critical role in Mercedes-Benz’s North American operations.
Charleston was further distinguished within the Mercedes-Benz global production network when it was chosen as the pioneering plant to produce the all-new eSprinter van. This initiative represented an additional investment of nearly $60 million, dedicated to equipping the facility for electric vehicle manufacturing. Production of the eSprinter commenced in January 2024, and within just four months, the Mercedes Charleston team celebrated the production of their 1,000th eSprinter van, demonstrating rapid adaptation and expertise in electric vehicle assembly.
Today, Mercedes Charleston is a major employer in the region, with over 1,600 team members directly employed at the facility. Furthermore, it supports at least 500 additional on-site jobs through its network of suppliers. The broader economic impact of Mercedes-Benz Charleston extends significantly, estimated to support an additional 15,000 jobs with suppliers and service providers in the wider region. Beyond its 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 through STEM programs since 2006, alongside more than 1,100 hours of volunteer work, reinforcing its commitment to Charleston and its residents.
