Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. chose Burnaby, B.C. as the location for the world’s first facility dedicated to the production and technological development of hydrogen fuel cell stacks.
The 3,300 square metre production facility, which cost $53 million to build, will add 50 jobs and produce fuel cells to be used in Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class vehicles in Europe. A next generation fuel cell is expected to roll off the line in 2013 and enhance Mercedes-Benz’s position in fuel cell powered commercial vehicles.
Attending the opening ceremony, were Klaus A. Berger, vice president, Mercedes-Benz Canada Fuel Cell Division; Dr. Dieter Steegmüller, Production, Materials and Operations head of Fuel Cell Division, Daimler AG; Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, vice president Group Research & Sustainability and Chief Environment Officer, Daimler; Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada; Pat Bell, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation; John W. Sheridan, President and CEO, Ballard Power Systems and Dr. Ian Potter, Vice President Engineering, National Research Council of Canada.
