GDEcD & Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia celebrate 2 millionth vehicle
Today, a delegation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) joined executive leadership of Kia Motors Manufacturing of Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) and Quick Start to celebrate together as the plant's two millionth vehicle – a white 2016 Sorento SXL – rolled off the assembly line in West Point, Georgia.
'Together, Kia and Georgia have a strong reputation of success,' said Governor Nathan Deal. 'The company's continued investment in the state speaks volumes to our pro-business atmosphere, and we will continue to support them as they grow here. I want to congratulate Kia's team members on this accomplishment.'
In conjunction with on-site and local suppliers, KMMG is responsible for the creation of more than 15,000 jobs in West Point and the surrounding region, and recently achieved its highest-ever ranking – top five among vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. – in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study.
'The strong relationships that have developed between KMMG, the community and the state are a model for the culture of collaboration we work so hard to create,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr during remarks.
Commissioner Carr closed the ceremony by stating in confidence to employees, 'I look forward to joining you as you blow past the next mile-marker.'
At KMMG, a new vehicle is made every 57 seconds. This is a testament to the quality labor force that supports the plant's robust needs. Quick Start plays a vital role in promoting innovation and preparing the workforce to meet future demands. To learn more about KMMG's success in Georgia and the partnerships that were forged in the process, watch this video:
You can also download an informative case study on the details of the Kia economic development project.
About KMMG
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. With an annual capacity of 360,000 units, KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production on Nov. 16, 2009. KMMG is home to the Sorento CUV and the Optima mid-size sedan, two of the brand's top selling models in the U.S.