Mercedes-Benz Relocates Jobs from Michigan to Atlanta

News Summary

Mercedes-Benz has announced the relocation of approximately 400 jobs from its corporate office in Farmington Hills, Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia, as part of a strategy to enhance operational efficiency. The closure will affect the financial services office, while a new Research & Development hub in Sandy Springs is expected to house an additional 500 roles. This transition reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards consolidation in economically strategic locations. The move is set to be completed by August 2026, with relocation packages offered to employees.

Farmington Hills, Michigan — Mercedes-Benz has announced the closure of its corporate office in Farmington Hills, Michigan, resulting in the relocation of approximately 400 jobs to Atlanta, Georgia. The announcement was made on May 22, marking a significant shift in the company’s North American operations as it consolidates its headquarters in Atlanta.

The closures will affect the financial services office that offers finance, lease, and insurance services for Mercedes-Benz customers. This relocation is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and collaboration. The company aims to create a streamlined work environment that supports better agility and customer experience.

Mercedes-Benz plans to move up to 500 corporate, technical, and high-tech roles from various U.S. locations to Sandy Springs in Metro Atlanta, where a new multimillion-dollar Research & Development hub is slated to open. The shift is set to be completed by August 2026, with all affected employees being offered relocation packages to facilitate their transition to Atlanta.

In total, in addition to the 400 jobs moving from Michigan, another 100 corporate roles will also be transferred from other U.S. locations to Atlanta. However, approximately 180 research and development jobs will remain in Michigan, with intentions to increase that number to 200 in the future. The remaining jobs will likely be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Farmington Hills office, which opened in 2008 and recently unveiled a new headquarters in 2022, has been a part of the company’s operations in Michigan for around 25 years. Following the closure, a corporate real estate team will work to find a new tenant for the office space. The facility is known for its state-of-the-art building, which includes various amenities and flexible workspaces.

Mercedes-Benz’s existing office in Atlanta has been the U.S. headquarters since 2018 and employs around 800 people. The decision to relocate jobs has been under consideration since last fall, influenced in part by the shift to remote work that has been observed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This move underscores a larger trend within the automotive industry to relocate to regions with robust economic and technological foundations. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation expressed disappointment regarding the job losses but noted the positive indication that Mercedes-Benz would retain its R&D facility in Ann Arbor. There had been efforts by the state of Michigan to offer competitive incentives to retain those jobs, but the decision ultimately favors consolidation in Atlanta.

Mercedes-Benz’s CEO highlighted the need for a closer collaborative environment as essential for improving customer service and responding quickly to market demands. This strategic move aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing its operational framework and fostering innovation within its workforce.

As the company prepares for this transition, it illustrates the growing trend of large corporations consolidating their operations within key areas that support their long-term growth and efficiency goals.

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STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
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