Mercedes-Benz USA broke ground Thursday on its new, 70,000-square-foot vehicle preparation center on Colonel's Island at the port of Brunswick.

Operations are expected to begin next summer and will replace an existing facility in Jacksonville.

The U.S. Maritime Administration estimates the additional 50,000 automobiles through Brunswick will create 122 new jobs -- 78 at the plant and 44 indirect jobs -- generate $1.5 million in state and local taxes and add $5.5 million to Georgia's gross state product.

"Georgia's logistics advantages have once again attracted a great company and new jobs for our citizens," Gov. Sonny Perdue said in a statement. "This underscores the ability of our ports to expand and our people to efficiently attract and handle new business. We are confident Mercedes-Benz USA will thrive in Georgia."

The vehicle preparation center will process vehicles headed for Mercedes-Benz dealers throughout the southern region, Texas and Oklahoma. The center will be equipped with advanced computerized control systems and inspection facilities designed to ensure the high quality of each new vehicle.

The center will also be capable of accessory installation, full body shop operations, vehicle detailing and distribution operations.