On Friday, May 20, 2005, Chung Mong-koo, chairman and chief executive officer of Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, and Alabama Governor, Bob Riley, gathered with elected officials to celebrate the grand opening of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC (HMMA).
“This new manufacturing facility reaffirms Hyundai’s commitment toward investing in the U.S. economy, as well as its commitment toward U.S. consumers,” said Chairman Chung. “American consumers have recognized Hyundai’s quality, and this plant will enable us to better serve them.”
The facility marked the official start of production with its first saleable 2006 Sonata in May 2005. Currently, the plant assembles the Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs, the Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle, and the luxury brand Genesis Electrified GV70 SUV. HMMA is capable of producing up to 399,500 vehicles per year at full capacity.
HMMA’s three engine shops make the Smartstream G2.5 GDI, G1.6 T-GDI, G2.0 Atkinson, G2.5 GDI, and G2.5 T-GDI engines. These engines are used in vehicles manufactured at HMMA as well as in vehicles manufactured at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point, Ga.
The $1.8 billion facility is Hyundai’s first and only U.S. manufacturing plant, employing approximately 3,800 Team Members with competitively paying jobs and generous benefits. Additionally, more than 72 suppliers have located businesses throughout North America to support the Hyundai plant. Additionally, HMMA’s many regional suppliers add thousands of other jobs and additional economic benefit to the state’s economy.
Our 3.4-million square-foot manufacturing plant resides on 1,744 acres of land and includes a stamping facility, weld shop, paint shop, vehicle assembly shop, a two-mile test track and three engine shops.