Mercedes-Benz USA will move its headquarters from Montvale, N.J., to Atlanta, bringing 1,000 jobs and $100 million investment and bolstering the case for the Southeast as an auto industry corridor.
The German company announced its decision Tuesday, citing a mix of factors that led to Atlanta, including the city’s location, connectivity and quality of life.
“Atlanta is a premier city which places us closer to our ever-growing Southeast customer base, our port in Brunswick, Ga., and to Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, our Alabama manufacturing facility, which accounts for half of the vehicles we sell here in the U.S.,” President and CEO Stephen Cannon said in a statement.
Without slamming New Jersey, where Mr. Cannon said officials worked “tirelessly” with Mercedes-Benz during its site-selection process, he noted that Atlanta was the place “to achieve the sustained, profitable growth and efficiencies we require for the decades ahead.”
As if it wasn’t already, the South can now really lay claim to being a bona fide German automotive hub. With Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz plants opening next door to Georgia in recent years, the state has been successful in attracting smaller suppliers.
Atlanta itself has been a magnet for corporate headquarters. Porsche Cars North America is also building its new facility, complete with a test track, near the Atlanta airport.
Mayor Kasim Reed was quick to welcome the automaker to the neighborhood.
“Every day, companies are voting with their feet, choosing the City of Atlanta and the metro area to bring their dreams and build their businesses,” he said, citing recent relocations of major corporations like Worldpay and Pulte Group.
Mercedes-Benz plans to build its own new facility at a location that has yet to be announced, according to reports. Executives said the automaker plans to set up temporary offices in the Perimeter area while moving employees down from New Jersey in phases starting in July. Reports have pegged the company as eyeing the Perimeter (along Georgia 400) and Alpharetta for permanent digs. The company said in a statement that more details will likely be revealed before the end of January.
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