Kia to Add 700 Jobs at Georgia Plant

Apr 23, 2011 - 12:57
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Kia to Add 700 Jobs at Georgia Plant

ATLANTA - Kia Motors plans to start manufacturing the Optima sedan later this year at its plant in Georgia, which is expected to add about 700 jobs.

The company announced Thursday that production of the 2012 Optima is set to begin in the third quarter. The plant in West Point, near the Alabama state line, currently employs about 2,300 people but Kia expects that number to grow to nearly 3,000 workers by the end of the year.

Kia Motors America and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia president Byung Mo Ahn says the company is experiencing tremendous growth in the U.S. and decided to move production from South Korea to Georgia for Optimas destined for North America.

Kia began mass production of its Sorento crossover utility vehicle at the plant in November 2009.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.