EISENMANN SHIPPING EQUIPMENT FOR MERCEDES EXPANSION THROUGH ALABAMA STATE DOCKS

Eisenmann, the company responsible for building the new state-of-the art Paint shop associated with the $600 million expansion project at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) facility in Tuscaloosa, AL, has selected the Alabama State Docks as its port of entry for all inbound equipment shipments. 

Eisenmannn plans to ship approximately 600 containers though the Alabama State Docks between December 2002 and May 2003.  The containers, inbound from Germany, will be shipped by Atlantic Cargo Services.  Schenker International will handle the ground logistics transporting the equipment by truck to MBUSI's warehouse in Bessemer, AL. 

"We are pleased that the Alabama State Docks were able to provide a valuable service to Eisenmann," said State Docks Board Member and MBUSI President & CEO, Bill Taylor.  "This is a credit to the efforts put forth by the State Docks to meet the needs of Alabama's growing automotive industry." 

In addition to the ocean-going containers, the Alabama State Docks will also handle approximately 60 Lighter Aboard Ship (LAS) barge vessels for Eisenmann.  Cargo on the LAS barges will consist of oversized paint system equipment that does not fit in ocean-going containers.

"We are very pleased that Eisenmann and Mercedes-Benz can benefit from using the State Docks facilities for this cargo.  We look forward to working with Mercedes-Benz representatives in finding competitive solutions to Mercedes' transportation needs", said Alabama State Port Authority Director & CEO, James K. Lyons.

MBUSI is the Tuscaloosa-based manufacturer of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.  Currently, the plant produces the V6 ML320; the V8 ML500; the high-powered ML55 AMG; the ML400 CDI diesel; the ML270 CDI diesel, as well as right-hand drive versions of the M-Class.  Vehicles built in Tuscaloosa are sold in more than 135 markets worldwide.

MBUSI is a Daimler Chrysler company.