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Mercedes-Benz M-Class Plant Undergoes Construction

1 July 1998

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Plant Undergoes Construction During Summer Shutdown To Increase Production And Efficiency

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala., July 1 -- The Mercedes-Benz M-Class plant
will undergo a major overhaul this week.
    To help realize a more than 20% increase in production for the M-Class and
achieve greater line efficiency, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) is
installing more automation, logistics bays, assist-devices and adding 100,000
sq. ft. to its facility during planned summer shutdown this week.
    Although the plant is currently running at maximum capacity of 300
vehicles per day on two shifts (up from an original capacity of 270 per day),
an additional $40 million investment and 100 additional team members will
increase the efficiency of the line and provide relief for those who are
working overtime to help meet the increasing worldwide demand of the M-Class.
    "We're taking the most ergonomically unfriendly jobs and giving them to a
machine or an assist device versus having people perform the tasks," said
Andreas Renschler, President and CEO of MBUSI.  "Our investment in plant
expansion, new equipment and additional jobs will help the line run more
efficiently, and offer some relief to our team members who have been putting
in extra hours to help meet the high demand for the M-Class.  The health and
safety of our team members is the most important asset we have."
    In the body shop, MBUSI is adding 20 robots as well as fixed position guns
and robot-applied fusion/mig welds, which will increase the efficiency of the
shop.  In the paint shop, six cut-in robots are being installed -- two each in
prime, top coat and base coat.
    The assembly shop will utilize a new 175-foot long underground tunnel to
transport frames from outside the building to the chassis line, creating more
space in assembly.  The assembly shop will also receive 23 logistics bays,
while body adds 10.
    The logistics bays will be used to organize parts in sequence order before
they are taken to the production line.
    MBUSI receives many of its parts in modules or sub-systems on a just-in-
time and just-in-sequence basis.  With only one shift of parts at the plant at
any given time, the plant doesn't need a large warehouse for storage.
    MBUSI will produce about 65,000 vehicles this year, and more than 80,000
in 1999.  The 3.2 liter V6 ML320, which set a new benchmark in the sport
utility segment, went on sale in North America in September 1997, and March of
this year in Europe.  A 2.3 liter four cylinder version is also available in
Europe, while the V8 powered ML430 will be available in North America this
fall.  Right-hand-drive versions will also be available this fall in the
United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.