Expansion Management

Daimler Vans Manufacturing Expanding in South Carolina

Sept. 16, 2013

Company cites talented workforce as one reason for expansion.

Last week,Daimler Vans Manufacturing today announced that it will expand its existing facility in South Carolina.

Daimler Vans Manufacturing LLC (DVM) assembles Sprinters for the U.S. market under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands. The company is a subsidiary of Daimler AG (IW 1000/18).

“We are thrilled to grow our operations here in Charleston County. South Carolina has provided our company with an excellent environment for doing business and a talented workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Marco Wirtz, president and CEO of Daimler Vans Manufacturing.

The more than $4.6 million investment is expected to generate at least 60 new jobs.

Daimler distributes its vans from the facility to markets throughout North America. The company will make improvements to the building and changes to its current assembly line. The company expects to complete expansion by 2018.

Gov. Nikki Haley met with the company in 2011 during a business development trip to Germany, and has plans to meet again with company officials in the immediate future.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5.1 billion in capital investment and more than 8,500 jobs in the automotive-related sector.

“Our long standing relationship with Daimler Vans Manufacturing, one of North Charleston’s finest corporate citizens, is once again benefiting our community. Daimler Vans Manufacturing realized our vision for Palmetto Commerce Park many, many years ago and became one of the first major businesses to plant its roots. Today, the park stands as the Lowcountry’s premier location for business development. We reaffirm our commitment to Daimler and look forward to future growth and success.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.