Volkswagen of America has started work on an $8.4m logistics centre to support output from its Chattanooga assembly plant currently under construction in Tennessee and due to start production of a new mid-size sedan next year. Last week saw work begin on the accessory processing building on the outbound logistics yard as part of the development that broke ground in April.
The two-storey, 46,000m2 logistics facility is being constructed on the perimeter road around the VW plant and is adjacent to a new rail yard also currently under construction. The centre is expected to open early next year and is receiving investment from local government as part of the VW incentive package.
As reported by Automotive Logistics News in April, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) has secured a contract with VW for vehicle processing services and outbound yard management at the Chattanooga plant (read more).
Wallenius, which plans to hire about 80 people, provide technical services and value-added accessory installation, vehicle releasing, distribution and rail loading.
Volkswagen of America also announced the opening of a new dealership in Alhambra, California this week. Executives from VW joined City of Alhambra Mayor Stephen Sham at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the dealership.
“As we continue to increase sales growth in the US with a 27.5% sales growth year-to-date nationally and a 33% increase year-to-date in the Northern Los Angeles district, we are proud to invest into this region. This area is a vital part of our long-term growth strategy in the US,” said Werner Mersch, VW Regional Director.
