MBUSA Opens Regional Master Parts Distribution Center

New Warehouse Facility to Bring 150 New Jobs to New Jersey

MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 30 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) held a grand opening today for its newest facility, the 456,128 square-foot Regional Master Parts Distribution Center and office building. MBUSA estimates its new warehouse, located in Mercer County's Washington Township in Robbinsville, will create 150 new jobs in New Jersey while delivering precise, efficient service to dealers and customers as the company prepares for a new product offensive.

The new Regional Master Parts Distribution Center will serve two distinct functions: to replace the Baltimore Parts Distribution Center functions and store safety stock and uniquely stocked parts for the replenishment of Mercedes-Benz parts distribution centers in Chicago, Ill., Fort Worth, Tex., Orlando, Fla., and Fontana, Calif. By concentrating distribution of slow- moving parts into one warehouse, lead-time for medium and slow-moving parts can be greatly reduced. Through this new approach to distribution, MBUSA aims to optimize the supply chain process.

"Over the next eighteen months, Mercedes-Benz USA will launch the largest U.S. product offensive in its history," said Paul Halata, president & CEO, MBUSA. "Our number one priority is to prepare for the future. The more cars we sell, the more we need parts and service support to ensure that our customers enjoy the finest ownership experience. Refining our parts and service business through the new Regional Master PDC has been a critical part of making this happen."

"Getting the right parts in the right place at the right time is crucial in servicing our customers with the high standards we set for ourselves," said Klaus Ulkann, vice president, customer services for MBUSA. "This new facility is an instrumental factor in our overall commitment to supporting our dealers' abilities to service our customers from routine maintenance to more complicated repairs." Ulkann went on to say that over 74 percent of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in the U.S. since 1952 are still on the road today, adding up to a broad range of parts that need to be available at any given time.

A model for a new type of distribution center, the Regional Master PDC was built to combine the highest standards of functional design and efficiency. Natural lighting and warehouse climate control optimize the employees' work environment while unique design elements, such as the use of metals and metallic finishes, ribbed metal panels, smooth panels, glazing and perforated metal all combine to make the entrance canopy the focal point. The curvilinear form is evocative of the aerodynamic grilles associated with the classic Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow race cars.

The Regional Master PDC, which sits on 68.67 acres and has an expansion capability of 1.2 million square feet, is designed to move parts through an advanced, 1.5-mile-system of conveyors under 80' x 80' structural bays, store 100,000 part numbers and service 105 dealers throughout the Northeast. The facility was constructed in less than one year and reflects not only the newest technology, such as the state-of-the art information technology, conveyor and bar code systems, but also sets a new standard in warehouse form and function.

"Mercedes-Benz USA is proud to be here in Mercer County," said Halata. "Through the Regional Master PDC, the company brings 150 new jobs to New Jersey. These new hires will fill important positions in our administration, security, shipping, picking and receiving areas, to name a few. We look forward to building our plans for the future here in New Jersey and are committed to this community."

During construction of the Regional Master PDC, MBUSA took measures to protect the environment. Hundreds of storm drain medallions were installed in addition to houses for bluebirds and bats to help keep a natural balance of wildlife. Over six hundred native trees and seventy-two shrubs were replanted for a total of 1.8 acres of reforestation. Two detention basins were designed for storm water pollutant removal and perforated pipe was installed to promote groundwater recharge back to the groundwater table. In May 2004, during a ceremony for the County Clean Water Project, MBUSA shared its grounds to help educate residents about the importance of keeping Mercer County streams clean.

In 2003, MBUSA achieved its tenth consecutive year of sales growth by setting the highest sales volume in its history with 218,717 new vehicle sales. Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ .