Mercedes-Benz opens new logistics and training facility

The growth potential of Mercedes-Benz Canada was evident in the echo ringing inside a new 204,000 square foot facility in Mississauga today.

The new warehouse, officially called the Mercedes-Benz Canada Logistics Centre & Training Academy (LCTA), is now the new Canadian hub for the automaker’s worldwide logistics network and a key component to supporting dealer operations in Canada.

The facility houses approximately 90 per cent of the company's overall parts supply and is located a short drive from Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ont. The inventory of over 45,000 parts is in stock and ready to ship immediately.

With the assistance of Kuehne and Nagel, the company's partner for warehouse operations, the LCTA will ship over 550,000 lines annually to 60 different Mercedes-Benz dealerships and body shops nationwide, which represents the movement of nearly 2,200 items each day.

In addition to the parts warehouse facility, the new location also has a large technical training component with four technician training centres (including a special Sprinter bay) and room for sales, product and aftersales training.

Mercedes-Benz trained over 2,450 employees last year. The new training academy space almost doubles the previous facility's size and increases capacity.

“Centralizing Mercedes-Benz Canada's parts and accessories operations will allow numerous efficiencies for our company and dealer network,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

“The sizeable facility, a wide selection of parts available on a timely basis, and expanded hours guarantee that we can fulfill our retail network's immediate needs.  This forward-thinking additional investment also ensures that we are well-positioned to address the increased volumes expected from continued growth.”