Kia Motors to buy additional machinery, make upgrades in equipment, production
From Staff Reportsbusiness@newnan.com
Kia Motors, one of the fastest-growing car companies in the United States, is investing in production efficiencies at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point, Gov. Nathan Deal announced.
In response to continued growth and success in product sales, Kia will make major investments in additional machinery, equipment and production upgrades for the future.
“Kia has an exceptional track record of growth in our state,” said Deal. “The wave of economic impact created by Kia’s presence in Georgia goes far beyond the 10,000-plus jobs the company and its suppliers have created and will underpin the region’s economy for generations to come. Kia’s continued commitment to our state moves us closer to making Georgia the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business.”
Kia’s partners in this investment project are the city of West Point, West Point Development Authority, Troup County Industrial Development Authority, Troup County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Georgia Quick Start. Georgia Department of Economic Development Project Manager E. Jane Caraway managed the project on behalf of the state.
“Investments by existing Georgia companies such as Kia represent about two-thirds of our projects every year, and that’s no accident,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “We put a high premium on maintaining a healthy business environment in Georgia and on providing ongoing support and partnership to these companies in order to facilitate their successful growth.”
“We are delighted that Kia is taking this big step of commitment to Troup County and our citizens,” said chairman of the Troup County commission Ricky Wolfe. “I believe Kia has been a godsend to this community, this region and the state of Georgia. I am honored to work with the company as they continue to invest and grow in our area.”
“The City of West Point welcomes Kia’s announced investment, which will help Kia grow and continue its success and whose positive effects will be realized for many years,” said West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson. “Kia’s commitment to the citizens of our community is unprecedented and demonstrates an unwavering desire to see this community thrive. The strong cooperation between Kia, the state of Georgia, Troup County and the city of West Point is greatly appreciated.”
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation, which is based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the 2013 Sorento CUV and the 2013 Optima mid-size sedan, two of the brand’s top selling models. Beginning in 2012, the plant has the ability to build 360,000 vehicles annually from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.
