Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Expansion a Major Investment in Region

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Preparing for Next Generation Engines
Expansion brings a capital investment of $388 million and 50 new jobs to the region
 
Montgomery, Ala. – May 29, 2018 - Local elected officials and business leaders joined with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey today to celebrate the announcement by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC President and CEO Dong Ryeol Choi that Hyundai is investing $388 million to construct a plant dedicated to manufacturing engine heads and to enhance existing operations and support production of new models of Sonata and Elantra sedans. The investment will create 50 new jobs. 
 
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) is preparing for the next-generation Theta III engine, which requires new technologies and components as a part of its assembly process. The capital investment will be spent on equipment for the engine head machining plant and updating technology in an existing engine plant.
 
 “With our latest expansion, HMMA continues to show its strong commitment to the people of Montgomery and the people of Alabama,” Hyundai President and CEO Dong Ryeol Choi said at today’s announcement. “Hyundai is continuing its track record of investing in new manufacturing technologies to ensure the long-term success of our only U.S. assembly plant.”
 
“Hyundai is an important member of Alabama’s dynamic auto industry, and this expansion at its Montgomery manufacturing facility will power the global automaker’s drive for future growth in the U.S.,” Governor Ivey said. “Hyundai’s significant new investment is a strong testament to the company’s confidence in its Alabama operation and in its highly skilled workforce.”
 
“Montgomery remains deeply committed to its partnership with Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and is honored to see its continued growth and expansion here in the River Region,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean. “Together, Hyundai and Montgomery have created a blueprint for manufacturing success of which we are very proud. 
 
“Partnership and teamwork fuel economic growth, and we are grateful for partners like Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, whose long-term, expanding investment in this area drive significant impact on the region,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange.
 
It will cost approximately $40 million to construct the 260,000-square-foot building that will house the head machining equipment. Construction on the engine head machining plant is scheduled to be completed in November 2018. This project will free up space to expand engine assembly lines in one of HMMA’s existing engine plants.
 
HMMA will begin producing the Theta III engine by mid-2019 for Sonata sedans and Santa Fe crossover utility vehicles. HMMA will continue to build the 2.0-liter Nu engine for Elantra sedans at its manufacturing facility in Montgomery. The engine plants produce approximately 700,000 engines per year to support the vehicle production at both HMMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point, Georgia.
 
HMMA, which started vehicle production in May 2005, is the River Region’s largest private manufacturer with 2,700 full-time and 500 part-time employees.
 
“We are so very honored that Hyundai has once again chosen to significantly invest in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama,” said Judge Charles Price, 2018 chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “As home to Hyundai’s only North American manufacturing facility, the Montgomery community pledges to continue our enormously successful 16-year partnership for this new expansion and beyond.”
 
Editor’s Note: For high-resolution photos, click here.
 
For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com.
 
ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTOR MANFACTURING ALABAMA
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., is an independent manufacturing operation of Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, Korea. HMMA currently produces the 2018 Sonata and Elantra sedans and 2018 Santa Fe Sport CUV. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 900 Hyundai dealerships across North America.
 
ABOUT MONTGOMERY
Montgomery, Alabama fosters a business-friendly environment and understands that a healthy mix of large and small businesses constitutes the lifeblood of the city and region. A long history of trusted public-private partnership between the city, county and local business leadership creates an inviting business ecosystem. Montgomery is built on a dynamic history rooted in revolution as the center of both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. It is steeped in Southern tradition and hospitality, yet it is also a modern city on the forefront of cutting-edge development. It is attracting new businesses with its open internet exchange and opportunities for business growth, and new residents are coming for the city's livability, including a revitalization of the historic downtown along Dexter Avenue with new attractions and diverse entertainment options. For more information, visit www.choosemontgomery.com.
 
###
Media Contacts:
Hannah Nuccio / Celia Spell
Lou Hammond Group
hannahn@louhammond.com / celias@louhammond.com 
843.410.5306 / 843.628.3721