The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and local and state leaders joined Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) to announce a $410 million expansion that will create 200 jobs at Hyundai’s U.S. automotive assembly plant in Montgomery. Beginning in 2021, the Hyundai Santa Cruz will be built in Montgomery, joining the Elantra, Sonata and Santa Fe.
Hyundai says the $410 million investment will create an additional 230,000 square feet of space in the stamping, welding and parts processing areas of the manufacturing complex. While direct employment at HMMA will increase by 200 jobs, Hyundai projects that its local suppliers and logistics companies will employ an additional 1,000 people in Montgomery and the River Region. Hyundai intends to begin filling the new positions being created by the latest expansion project during the second half of 2020.
The new expansion project punctuates a period of fertile growth for HMMA. On Nov. 1, the facility began mass production of the redesigned, eighth-generation Sonata sedan.
HMMA, which started vehicle production in May 2005, is the River Region’s largest private manufacturer with 2,900 full-time and 500 part-time employees. In just over 14 years, the plant has produced 4.5 million vehicles for the North American market. Among U.S. states, Alabama is already the fifth largest producer of cars and light trucks. The state has more than 150 major auto suppliers and over 40,000 automotive manufacturing jobs.
“We are so honored that in just 18 months HMMA has invested over $1.1 billion in the Montgomery area. Partnership and teamwork are key to this kind of economic growth, and we are grateful for the impact this kind of investment will have on the entire region.” - Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Willie Durham
“Bringing the Santa Cruz to HMMA demonstrates that Hyundai Motor Company is confident our more than 3,000 team members are ready to build a quality crossover for the U.S. market.” - Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama President and CEO Byungjin Jin
“Alabama and Hyundai have developed a great partnership over the years, and it’s a testament to our special relationship that this world-class automaker is expanding once again in Montgomery. Hyundai’s new investment is giving more Alabama families an opportunity to earn a good living while also strengthening the state’s growing auto industry.” – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
“Hyundai’s decision to expand its Alabama production line-up to include the all-new Santa Cruz represents a milestone for the company’s Montgomery manufacturing operation. This is another exciting development for Hyundai in Alabama, and we are eager to see what the future holds for the company in our state.” - Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield.
“I recently had the honor of experiencing first-hand the long-standing partnership between Hyundai and Montgomery on a visit to Seoul as part of an economic development delegation including former Mayor Todd Strange. With the addition of the Santa Cruz, Hyundai is again choosing to launch a new vision. I look forward to continuing to strengthen this vital relationship in the coming years and working with our partners to support this tremendous investment.” - Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed
“Our commitment to our partnership with Hyundai continues to deepen, and we are so honored by this significant investment. Together, we are charting the course for success and opportunity in the River Region.” - Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean