Kia Kicks Off Mass Production in West Point

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia officially started mass production Monday. The Korea-based company broke its first North American ground in West Point three years ago. Since 2007 KMMG has hired about 1,200 production team members. It recently opened up a second wave of hiring to bring in about 1,300 to 1,800 more jobs.

But KMMG’s impact extends beyond its own plant. Its many suppliers will have brought in about 7,500 jobs across Alabama and Georgia. About half of those positions have yet to be filled.

One major KMMG supplier, MOBIS Georgia, occupies the building next door to Kia’s space, in what looks like one stretch of operations. MOBIS produces about half the vehicle for Kia, including the front and rear chassis (engine, transmission and wheel hubs) and cock pit module (steering column and dashboard). MOBIS has created about 238 jobs in the area with plans to fill about 200 more.

Those interested in applying to KMMG or its suppliers may do so through the Georgia Department of Labor Web site. Some of KMMG’s suppliers may be accessed through the Alabama Department of Labor Web site.

View video of KMMG team members who have made it through the application process to the production line. Go to http://www.KiaJobsInGeorgia.com/WeMadeIt.