New Fire Station Opens To Serve MBUSI Main Campus, Battery Plant

TUSCALOOSA, AL— The City of Tuscaloosa, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) and state officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Fire Station 11 on Friday.

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Design work for the new fire station began in early 2022 and construction began in September 2023, with the new station providing fire protection services to MBUSI’s battery plant, as well as to MBUSI’s original campus.

“This new fire station, and the increased public safety that comes with it, is a testament to what can be achieved for our community when we work together,” Mayor Walt Maddox said. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership between the amazing team we have at the City, the State of Alabama, and MBUSI. I can’t thank these partners enough for making this day possible.”

In January 2022, the City entered into an updated fire protection services agreement with Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) and the State of Alabama.

"Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a new fire station, but the City of Tuscaloosa’s commitment to safety, innovation, and community service,” MBUSI President and CEO Federico Kochlowski said. “We appreciate the brave firefighters who embody the spirit of courage and dedication, and we thank you for helping to ensure a brighter, safer future for this community. Thank you to both the City of Tuscaloosa and the State of Alabama for making this day a reality."

The state provided $10 million to fund the construction of the new fire station, along with financing a new ladder truck, a new pumper truck and other equipment.

MBUSI agreed to provide funding for the annual personnel costs for 12 new fire rescue employees for the next 20 years.

“From the beginning, the teamwork of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, the City of Tuscaloosa and the State of Alabama has brought greater opportunity for this community,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “It is in that spirit that we have recommitted resources to ensuring that our first responders have the tools they need to better safeguard local lives and property. The dedication of the well-equipped Fire Station 11 is the realization of this commitment.”

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