Kia Motors to set up plant in Troup County, Georgia

KiaJust a few months ago, Georgia has been lingering at the misfortune that has befallen them when two production plants in the state, one from Ford and another from General Motors, shut down. This week, however, traces of that misfortune can hardly be seen on many Georgia residents, especially those residing in or near Troup County. Instead, only excitement can be seen on their faces—an excitement brought about by the news that Kia Motors Corporation, the second largest South Korean auto manufacturer, will soon be setting up a plant in the area.

Last Tuesday (March 14, 2006), Kia Motors Corporation announced plans to construct a $1.2 billion automotive assembly and manufacturing plant in West Point, Troup County, Georgia. The plant, which will begin its operation in 2009, will be the first Kia manufacturing plant in the U.S.

For the South Korean auto manufacturing company, the plan of setting up a plant in the U.S. was fueled by their sales success in the North American automotive market. For the month of February, the company reports, Kia Motors America has posted a record sales of 20,719 vehicles, which is 3.2 percent ahead of its record setting sales pace in 2005. “Kia Motors has entered an aggressive growth phase in the U.S.,’ said Kia President and CEO Euisun Chung at a ceremony in Seoul, and setting up a plant that will bring them closer to their customer base is clearly the next logical step for the company.

As for the residents of Troup County, Georgia, nothing can be more important than the jobs that the new plant will bring to their area. When it starts with its operation in 2009, the Kia assembly and manufacturing plant would need at least 2,500 workers. Five to six auto suppliers are also expected to set up near the plant, adding some 2,000 more jobs.

Posted by Rowan Pierce in Auto News, Kia |


This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 14th, 2006 at 9:07 pm and is filed under Auto News, Kia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


8 Responses to “Kia Motors to set up plant in Troup County, Georgia”

  1. Scott Hudson Says:

    How can I get an application for this facility?

    Thanks

  2. EUELL LANDRUM Says:

    When will you all start taking applications on the construction phase and the manufacturing phase of the new KIA plant?

  3. burtrion davis Says:

    currently working at mercedes benz.looking for career oppotunities

  4. Linda Ritchie Clemente Says:

    I am interested in public relations/ customer service work with KIA.
    Please advise where I may e-mail my resume.
    Thank you for this consideration.

    Linda R. Clemente
    404-202-3147

  5. Jules J Corne' Says:

    I would like Info. on how to apply for Job Openings.

    Thank You, Jules J Corne’
    678-850-7777

  6. keesha Says:

    I’m currently working at Mercedes Benz in Vance, Alabama thru a temp service. I’ve worked there for 15 months now. I would like to become a team member at the Kia plant in West Point. Please send me information on when and where will the applications be accepted. Thank you

  7. Tomeika Bray Says:

    I will be graduating from LaGrange College in May, 2007 with a bachelor degree in Human Development. I have taken classes from English to Computer Tech. I want to apply for a office position with the new Kia Plant that is expected to open in 2009.

    Thanks for any concern or help.

  8. Michelle Hurtado Says:

    I currently work for Delphi/JCI General Motors in Fitzgerald GA. We manufacture batteries for General Motors. We will be closing this year and I would like some information on how to obtain and application for the KIA plant in West Point. I would like very much to become a team member of the KIA plant in West Point. Any information will be greatly appreciated. 229-635-0836; 229-423-0712

Leave a Reply