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By Dave Williams
Bureau Chief
Capitol Beat News Service

September 1st, 2023

ATLANTA – Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution (LGES) are investing another $2 billion in the planned “Metaplant” west of Savannah, already the largest economic development project in Georgia history.

The two companies announced an expansion of the original $5.5 billion electric vehicles and battery cell manufacturing joint venture Thursday, bringing the total investment to nearly $7.6 billion and adding 400 jobs on top of the 8,100 originally planned for the next eight years.

The massive project will go a long way toward making Georgia the e-mobility capital of the U.S., Gov. Brian Kemp said Thursday.

“These types of major investments ultimately go to hardworking Georgians in the form of paychecks, improved schools and infrastructure, and more,” Kemp said.

“This incremental investment in Bryan County reflects our continued commitment to create a more sustainable future powered by American workers,” added José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America.

When fully built out, the Metaplant will turn out 300,000 EVs per year. Hyundai Mobis will assemble battery packs using cells from the plant, then supply them to Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. manufacturing facilities for the production of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EV models.

The state Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team worked on the project in partnership with the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority, the Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power and the Technical College System of Georgia’s Quick Start program.

September 6, 2023

ATLANTA – A Korean automotive parts company will build a manufacturing plant in Metter to supply Georgia’s Kia facility and the new electric vehicles plant under construction west of Savannah, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday.

DAS Corp. will invest more than $35 million in the project, which will create 300 jobs.

“Suppliers for the Hyundai Metaplant resulted in over $2 billion in investment last fiscal year alone, helping Georgia achieve a third straight year of record-breaking economic growth,” Kemp said.

“Our logistics assets, including a reliable network of rail lines and highways, connect companies like DAS to key business partners in all corners of the state and to markets across the world, providing direct benefits to Georgia communities.”

Established in 1987, DAS specializes in designing and manufacturing seating systems, safety seating components, and seating structures.

“The strategic location near prominent cities like Savannah and Macon, facilitating convenient access, played a pivotal role in our decision-making process,” said Sean Kim, the company’s chief operating officer.

“Looking ahead to future expansion prospects, we deemed Metter to be an ideal location in anticipation of its role as a global electric vehicle production hub thanks to its close proximity to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.”

The new DAS facility will primarily produce automotive seat structures. Operations are expected to begin in the last half of next year.

During the next five years, the company will be recruiting assembly technicians. Information about employment opportunities can be found at www.i-das.com or by emailing hr@dasnorthamerica.com.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team worked on the project in partnership with the Candler County Industrial Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, Electric Cities of Georgia, and the Technical College System of Georgia’s Quick Start program.