Mercedez-Benz Vance plant expansion is set for 2030

Mercedez-Benz Alabama plant expansion is moving forward at its Vance, Alabama, assembly plant. The $4 billion project is scheduled for completion by 2030. It is expected to greatly increase SUV production at the Norfolk Southern-served plant.

Vance, Alabama plant and production plans

Mercedez-Benz U.S. International recently announced plans to expand its Vance, Alabama assembly facility. According to Made in Alabama, the plant was built in 1995. Also, it currently employs about 5,800 people. At the same time, the plant exports about 60% of the vehicles assembled there worldwide.

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The automaker said it plans to build more SUVs in the United States. The move responds to significant U.S. auto tariffs, as Reuters reported.

Rail support for the Alabama project

Separately, Progressive Railroading cited an emailed statement from Alex Luc. Luc is NS’ group vice president of international intermodal and automotive. In it, he said Norfolk Southern is proud to serve the Mercedes-Benz plant. He also said the railroad supports American manufacturing. He said the network is safe, reliable and sustainable.

“Investments like this strengthen U.S. supply chains, create jobs and reinforce the Southeast’s role as a global automotive and export hub. We look forward to continuing our partnership as Mercedes-Benz grows its footprint in Alabama,” he said.

Meanwhile, a nearby CSX hub sits in Bessemer, Alabama. It also supports the movement of auto parts and components to the plant in Vance.

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