WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, carmaker Mercedes-Benz announced that it will invest $1 billion to set up electric vehicle production at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant and to build a battery factory nearby. The new production is expected to create 600 new jobs in the area.

“I am thrilled by the expansion of the Mercedes-Benz facility in Tuscaloosa,” said Rep. Sewell. “The expansion, including production of a new fleet of electronic, eco-friendly SUVs, means 600 new job opportunities for families in our state. Investments in cutting-edge technologies and facilities like these are critical to economic development in my district and across the country. As a Member of Congress, I have made it a top priority to create a more job-ready workforce by hosting workforce readiness trainings, job fairs, and more across Alabama’s 7^th District. With this week’s announcement, I’m proud to see Mercedes-Benz reinvesting in our state’s workforce after 20 successful years of operations in our district.”

This July, Rep. Sewell hosted a workforce readiness training in Tuscaloosa as part of her Project R.E.A.D.Y. initiative. Project R.E.A.D.Y. is a workforce development initiative which offers training workshops conducted throughout the 7th congressional district by career professionals in partnership with educational institutions.

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.