Area Development
German automaker Daimler AG plans to invest $1 billion to expand its Mercedes-Benz operations throughout Alabama. The company will build a facility near the Tuscaloosa plant in 2018 for its new global logistics center and new after-sales North American hub.

The investment will allow the company to manufacture electric SUVs under Mercedes' EQ sub-brand at the Alabama plant by the start of the next decade.

More than 600 new jobs will be created as part of Daimler’s plan. Mercedes-Benz will also build a battery plant to support electric vehicles for local demand and export.

"With the addition of electric SUVs to our future fleet, we will provide discerning drivers with a new, high-quality automotive option,” said Markus Schaefer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain Management.

“As you know Mercedes invented the car, but now we are going to reinvent mobility. That is why today it is about celebrating the past and electrifying the future,” he continued.

As the first phase of this investment, Gray Construction was selected to design and build the 680,000 s.f. global logistics parts consolidation center, which is expected to be operational in 2019.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Daimler,” said Stephen Gray, President & CEO of Gray Construction. “This investment will not only have a tremendous impact on Alabama, but it will also encourage advancement of the automotive industry.”