Kia Opens Plant in West Point

The very first US-based plant belonging to the Kia-Hyundai Group opened its doors on Friday in West Point, Georgia, marking the start of what is hoped to be a very productive facility. The group hopes to build here 300,000 cars annually for the North American and global markets.

“Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together,” Byung-Mo Ahn, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) said in a statement. “Continued diligent work has helped elevate Kia to one of the fastest growing automobile brands around the globe."

"With the successful launch of the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and establishment of our first manufacturing plant in the United States, the Kia brand is well positioned for further growth and to become a worldwide leader in quality and innovation.”

Kia invested $1 billion in a 2.2 million-square-foot automobile manufacturing plant. The facility consists of four shops (stamping, welding, paint and assembly). At this time, 1,200 people have been hired by KMMG, a number which will likely double by the end of the year.

"This is a momentous day for Georgia as Kia Motors has brought thousands of new jobs to this area, and is truly delivering as a tremendous corporate citizen,” Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue added.

“We value our relationship with Kia and pledge to continue providing specialized training through the Kia Georgia Training Center that will guarantee a quality workforce and the future success of this plant in Georgia.”