Hyundai and Georgia Ports Authority celebrate milestone for the $5.5 billion project
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) and Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) held a ceremony on Monday to celebrate the arrival of the first shipment of equipment for the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility under construction in Bryan County, Georgia. The shipment contained a crane for the stamping facility, which will produce metal parts for the EVs.
The Metaplant, which is situated on 3,000 acres and will employ more than 8,000 people, is slated to begin production in the first quarter of 2025. It is Hyundai’s first EV mass-production plant, representing a $5.5 billion investment by the company. The plant will produce EV batteries and vehicles, including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 models.
The ceremony was attended by Oscar Kwon, CEO and president of HMGMA, Griff Lynch, executive director of GPA, Carter Infinger, Bryan County commissioner and chairman of the Savannah Joint Development Authority, and other state and local officials.
Kwon said he was very appreciative to see the progress of the Metaplant site and thanked the GPA for their support and partnership. He said the Metaplant will be a “game-changer” for the EV industry and the local community.
Lynch said the GPA was honored to be part of Hyundai’s vision and praised the company for its innovation and leadership. He said the GPA will continue to provide efficient and reliable service to Hyundai and its suppliers.
Infinger said the Metaplant will bring “generational change” for Bryan County and the region. He said he was amazed by the speed and scale of the project and expressed his gratitude to Hyundai for choosing Bryan County as its location.
Hyundai’s Metaplant aims to be a leader in EV technology and sustainability
Hyundai’s Metaplant is not only a manufacturing facility, but also a research and development center that will focus on advancing EV technology and sustainability. The plant will feature state-of-the-art equipment, such as robots, artificial intelligence, and digital twins, to optimize production efficiency and quality.
The plant will also incorporate eco-friendly features, such as solar panels, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, and green spaces, to minimize its environmental impact. The plant will aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Hyundai’s Metaplant is part of the company’s global strategy to become a leader in EVs. The company plans to introduce 23 EV models by 2025 and sell 1 million units annually by 2030. The company also plans to invest $87 billion in future mobility technologies by 2025.
Hyundai’s Metaplant expected to boost Georgia’s economy and workforce
Hyundai’s Metaplant is expected to have a significant positive impact on Georgia’s economy and workforce. According to a study by Georgia Tech, the plant will generate $11.9 billion in economic output annually and support 51,000 jobs in Georgia.
The plant will also create opportunities for education and training in EV-related fields. Hyundai has partnered with several local colleges and universities, such as Georgia Southern University, Savannah Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College, and Georgia Quick Start, to develop curriculum and programs for EV engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and safety.
Hyundai has also launched a website (www.hmgma.com) where interested applicants can learn more about the company and its career opportunities. The company said it is looking for talented and passionate individuals who share its vision of creating a better future through mobility.