Mercedes-Benz USA began construction on a new West Coast regional facility in Long Beach, California. The new location will serve as the future home of MBUSA's Vehicle Preparation Center, Western Region and Learning and Performance Offices, which are all currently located in Southern California.

According to the firm its new facility will consist of two buildings, totaling 1,091,754 sq. ft. on a 52.2 acre lot. In 1941 the site served as home to the Douglas Aircraft Company and was later utilized as a Boeing 717 aircraft manufacturing facility until closing in 2006. Located across the street from the Long Beach Airport in a mixed-use development known as Pacific Pointe at Douglas Park, the facility is expected to be ready to begin business operations in the first quarter of 2015.

"Southern California is the car culture capital of the world and it remains one of the largest markets for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Hollywood, great weather, a passion for the automobile and continued growth of the luxury market have all contributed to this singular position," said Dietmar Exler, Vice President of Sales for MBUSA. "Thirty years ago Mercedes-Benz planted roots in Southern California and expanding sales volume necessitates that we have the most efficient and effective structure to support our dealers in providing a world-class customer experience."

"I am thrilled Mercedes-Benz selected Long Beach as its new West Coast home," said Bob Foster, Mayor of Long Beach. "This is an iconic brand moving into an iconic building with a plan to re-imagine the former 717 site into a state-of-the-art facility that will activate this property for many years to come."

The new facility will include the company’s western regional office, along with vehicle preparation and learning and performance centers.