The three-story, class A office building acts as the heart of Daimler Financial's 600,000-contract base of dealers and customers in the US. The powerhouse business center's initial ground force totals 550 employees at 13650 Heritage Pkwy., with capacity for up to 800. More than 50% of the company's workforce has voluntarily relocated to North Texas, according to Daimler executives, who added the norm is 28% when companies undertake major realignments. In its split with Chrysler Corp., Daimler Financial has kept its headquarters in Farmington Hills, MI, where it employs 400.

"You are the face of our company, the future of our company," Entenmann told employees and guests at yesterday's building dedication. [IMGCAP(2)]"We want to be a catalyst and contributor for the ongoing growth in this area and a partner in attracting other financial companies to this area."

Entenmann acknowledged the tough economic times, but pointed out that the experienced team that's still in place will be the company's "strength" in weathering conditions. Like its competitors, sales volumes have decreased. But unlike its competitors, Daimler's bread-and-butter line, Mercedes Benz, is down just 1.6% in its year-to-year comparison. Other automakers are experiencing double-digit setbacks.