Mercedes-Benz officials said construction of a new battery factory near the vehicle production site in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, represents a commitment to the automaker’s electric initiative.
“The widely export-oriented Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa is a high-tech production facility with a successful history and an exciting future in terms of our brand in the United States,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain. “We aim to play a pioneering role in the development of e-mobility and are well prepared to accomplish this mission. One year ago, we announced $1 billion investment in Tuscaloosa, mostly for the production of electric SUVs and a battery plant. Around the globe, we are preparing six sites for production of EQ models and our battery network will consist of eight factories.”
More than $6 billion has already been invested in the Tuscaloosa plant since 1995, Mercedes-Benz. Officials said the additional $1 billion would help expand its industrial footprint in the region, most of which is slated for the electric initiative. Once completed, the automaker anticipates the investments would create more than 600 additional Alabama jobs.
The new battery production site is located seven miles from the Mercedes-Benz Cars vehicle production site in Tuscaloosa.