Factory 56 Production Start for Top Models in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has started production of the facelift versions of three top models in Sindelfingen, Germany. The S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and EQS roll off a single production line—soon in two shifts again.

Mercedes-Benz has officially ramped up series production of the facelift versions of its three top models in Factory 56 at the Sindelfingen plant. Within three months, the car manufacturer integrated the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and EQS into production. All three models are available in fully electric and hybrid versions.

The manufacturer is satisfied with the demand for the models. So satisfied, in fact, that from summer or late summer, people will once again be building cars in a second shift at Factory 56. Mercedes switched to single-shift operation in the summer of 2024. Preparations are currently underway in logistics and with suppliers. The second shift means more jobs for around 700 people. It was not clear at the official start of production whether new employees will be hired for this.

Three Luxury Models in One Line

Factory 56 is the manufacturer's flagship factory for digitalization and flexible production. The S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and EQS are produced here on a single line. The assembly stations in the factory are integrated into the MO360 digital ecosystem. Employees can call up real-time data at all stations. More than 400 driverless transport systems supply the classic assembly line. They handle the material flow in the two so-called Tec Lines.

However, automation at any price is not the goal. "It depends on the right focus," explained Production Director Michael Schiebe in Sindelfingen. "We have a high degree of variance in the S-Class models, which humans can do much better," said the Head of Production. Humanoid robots, for example, "would have to be enormously well developed to cover that".

But: "We are very open to humanoid robots and are examining applications to support people," described Schiebe. There are initial applications and pilot projects, "but our team is currently even better, faster and more precise - in terms of quality, for example".

“2026 Will Be a Difficult Year”

Despite all the optimism, current developments are not bypassing Mercedes. "2026 will be a difficult year," said Head of the Works Council Ergun Lümali. "We have many model launches in parallel and they are going well. However, competition is not getting any less, and the geopolitical situation is causing further difficulties."

Michael Schiebe agreed: "The incidents in the supply chain are becoming more rather than less," said the Head of Production. However, Schiebe said that the company had learned from previous crises. "We have greatly professionalized the relevant processes - the teams can start work immediately if necessary." According to Michael Schiebe, artificial intelligence is a great help here, especially when it comes to analyzing the large amounts of data in the supply chain.

The war in Iran has not affected the production processes so far. The fact that components also come from the region helps. The car manufacturer produces the batteries for the EQS in Hedelfingen, around 30 kilometers away (approx. 19 mi). Drives and axles come from Untertürkheim, 20 kilometers away (approx. 12 mi). The driverless systems in Factory 56 deliver the components just-in-time to the assembly lines.

“Sindelfingen Is Our Top‑End Location”

The fact that Mercedes builds its three luxury models in Germany is a commitment to the location, explained Schiebe. "Sindelfingen is our top-end location". Nevertheless, the manufacturer wants to localize more models in the USA, mainly due to customs duties that would otherwise be due. "However, this does not mean turning away from Germany as a location," emphasized Michael Schiebe.

This also applies to development. According to Michael Schiebe, Sindelfingen is the technology driver at Mercedes-Benz. "Nevertheless, we must not close our minds to other countries and continents, there are creative ideas there too". But: "We see this as a development network and never just look at one plant," described the Head of Production. For example, a plant in Hungary could also create jobs in Germany.

Energy-Efficient With New Paint Shop and Photovoltaics

Mercedes is currently building a new paint shop on the Sindelfingen site. It is due to go into operation in spring 2028 and will consume significantly less energy than the current paint store. According to Schiebe, the switch to the new models is already saving 25 percent energy in production - thanks to new systems and better processes. Mercedes also obtains energy from a photovoltaic system on the production hall. Used vehicle batteries store energy. The Factory 56 is designed to be CO₂-neutral.

Manufacture and Production of the AMG GT

In the factory's own manufacturing studio, employees customize vehicles on request. Up to 20 cars per day are produced with precision craftsmanship. Modern production technologies are combined with traditional craftsmanship. However, a special automotive feature is created in another hall at the site: the four-door AMG GT. The premiere of the electrically powered sports car is expected in mid-May. According to Schiebe, you can tell that they are producing something special and are enthusiastic about it. "And I'm not saying that from my former role," said the former head of AMG GmbH with a laugh.

Schiebe was satisfied with customer interest in the company's electric cars. "Sales of our electric cars are up on the first quarter of the previous year," he said. Incoming orders for the electrically powered GLC, for example, were above expectations. "E-mobility has arrived in the markets in which we have introduced it," said Michael Schiebe, even if the development varies more from region to region than before. In Europe, for example, the market is developing well, while the USA recently discontinued subsidies. Nevertheless, Michael Schiebe is optimistic: "More models are still to come - I think we will see even more growth."