The first US-built Kia vehicle, a white Sorento, has rolled off the production line at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), officially opening the first US Kia Motors plant.
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KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with on-site and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region.
“The start of production for our first manufacturing facility in the United States further demonstrates our commitment to growth in North America and we are proud to be adding 2,500 jobs to the local economy,” said B.M. Ahn, President and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG.
Representing an investment of US$1bn by Kia Motors, KMMG’s general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile (0.8 km) of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve what Kia claims is the most favourable installation position for each team member to minimise physical fatigue.
Also in general assembly, KMMG is the only plant in North America outfitted with wood flooring, which Kia says ‘provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members’.
Built on 2,200 acres (8.9 km2), the complex includes a body stamping facility, a transmission shop where the Sorento’s six-speed automatic transmission is produced, and a two mile (3.2 km) test track in addition to the main assembly plant.
