Hyundai Opens $7.6B Manufacturing Plant
Metaplant America became operational in less than two years.
Hyundai Motor Group has officially opened its $7.6 billion Metaplant America, an electric vehicle production property in Ellabell, Ga. The plant encompasses more than 16 million square feet of manufacturing space, according to Newsweek.
Construction kicked off in 2022 and the plant became operational after less than two years. Metaplant America handles orders, procurement, logistics and production for Hyundai, Genesis and Kia.
Its vehicle production is optimized through AI and robotics, having an initial capacity of 300,000 cars annually, including hybrid models. The automation in Metaplant America’s assembly shop nearly doubles that of any other Hyundai facility.
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The manufacturing campus carries the address 1500 Genesis Drive. Emphasizing workplace well-being, the campus’ office and production areas feature open layouts with ample daylight and indoor landscaping. The property’s assembly building also includes center skylights.
In addition, the parking lot comprises solar panels above nearly 1,900 parking spaces, which will generate 5.2 megawatts of energy or roughly 5 percent of the plant’s power consumption.
The 3,000-acre property is 25 miles from downtown Savannah, Ga., alongside Interstate 16. Currently underway, a 41-acre ecological park is set to debut adjacent to the plant. It will feature trails, running tracks, sports fields and picnic areas.
Hyundai to double U.S. investment
The factory is part of a $12.6 billion investment marking the largest economic development in the state’s history. That figure also includes Hyundai’s joint battery ventures with LG Energy Solution and SK On. The firm has already invested $20.5 billion nationwide since entering the American market.
Hyundai recently earmarked $21 billion to be spent between 2025 and 2038 for U.S. manufacturing growth. The future investment includes the construction of a $5.8 billion steel mill in Donaldsonville, La. Upon completion, the mill will have a production capacity of 2.7 million metric tons annually, ensuring supply for global automakers.
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