KIA opens West Point plant
Kia Auto Manufacturing, based in Seoul, Korea, opened its first North American auto manufacturing plant, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) Inc., in West Point, beginning mass production of the 2011 Sorento CUV in November 2009. At full capacity, the $1 billion state-of-the-art facility will have the ability to produce 300,000 vehicles annually.
Officials from KMMG joined dignitaries from Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the State of Georgia, and local city and county officials to celebrate the official grand opening in February. “Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together,” said Group President and CEO of KMMG Byung-Mo Ahn.
The 2.2 million-square-foot automobile manufacturing plant sprawls across 2,200 acres of land between Exit 2 and Exit 6 along Interstate 85 in West Point. The site consists of four main shops: stamping, welding, paint and assembly, and includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track where every vehicle is tested. The general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. It is outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.
“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 Gov. Sonny Perdue said at the grand opening. “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.”
Kia employed 1,200 people at its grand opening and expects that number to nearly double by the end of 2010 while onsite and nearby suppliers expect to create up to 7,500 additional jobs in the region.
Randy Jackson, KMMG director of human resources and administration, said the plant would give back to the local community through job creation, community development and tourism.
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