SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 6, 2025 - Hyundai’s Georgia Metaplant Opens Its Doors to Innovation, Jobs, and a Greener Future
Hyundai Motor Group has officially opened the doors to its most ambitious U.S. venture to date: Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). The state-of-the-art electric and hybrid vehicle facility, located in Ellabell, Georgia, is now fully operational, marking a pivotal milestone in the Group’s commitment to American manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability.
“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia,” said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group.
The Largest Economic Development Project in Georgia’s History
The HMGMA facility is the centerpiece of Hyundai Motor Group’s massive $12.6 billion investment in Georgia, which also includes battery ventures with LG Energy Solution and SK On. As the largest economic development project in the state’s history, the Metaplant is poised to reshape the region’s economic landscape.
Set just 20 miles from Savannah, the facility has been fast-tracked from groundbreaking in 2022 to its first vehicle rollout—a Hyundai IONIQ 5—in October 2024. The site is now producing the IONIQ 9, with Kia models set to join in 2026. The plant is designed to manufacture both electric and hybrid vehicles, with an annual capacity of 300,000 units, scaling to 500,000 units in the near future.
A Game-Changer for U.S. Jobs and Industry
HMGMA is more than just a factory—it’s an engine for American job creation. By 2031, the plant alone will employ 8,500 people. Including supplier investments across 12 Georgia counties, Hyundai’s overall initiative is expected to create nearly 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, resulting in $4.6 billion in yearly earnings across the state.
Governor Brian P. Kemp praised the collaboration and its impact:
“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is a once-in-a-generation opportunity... preparing Georgians for high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow.”
In total, Hyundai has invested over $20.5 billion in the U.S., supporting more than 570,000 jobs. Looking ahead, the Group has announced another $21 billion investment from 2025 to 2028 to bolster U.S. manufacturing, technology, and innovation.
Smart Factory of the Future
HMGMA is built to lead the charge in high-tech, sustainable vehicle production. Drawing from Hyundai’s innovation hub in Singapore, the Georgia Metaplant integrates artificial intelligence, real-time data systems, and advanced robotics to ensure top-tier efficiency and quality.
Employees, or “Meta Pros,” benefit from a human-centered design featuring open workspaces, daylight-filled break areas, and collaborative team zones. Automated guided vehicles, parking robots, and even Boston Dynamic’s Spot robot help streamline production.
“It is as important for us to create a comfortable and welcoming work environment... as it is for us to create an energy-efficient and technologically advanced plant,” said Oscar Kwon, CEO of HMGMA.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is more than a buzzword at HMGMA—it’s embedded in daily operations. A solar parking lot generating 5.2 megawatts of energy covers nearly 1,900 spaces, contributing about 5% of the plant’s power needs. A 41-acre ecological park with trails, fields, and picnic areas is under construction for employees’ recreation and wellness.
Transportation logistics are also going green with 21 Hyundai XCIENT hydrogen fuel-cell trucks, now comprising over a third of the HMGMA truck fleet. These zero-emission vehicles move parts across the 2,906-acre Megasite daily, minimizing the carbon footprint of operations.
Deep Commitment to Local Communities
Hyundai and Kia have also invested in the people beyond the plant. Since 2022, Hyundai and Genesis have contributed nearly $4.5 million to Georgia-based nonprofit organizations, focusing on education, safety, and sustainability. Kia’s Autoland Georgia in West Point has donated over $22 million to communities since 2009, with over $6 million going directly to educational programs.
The Road Ahead
Hyundai’s future-forward investment plan includes:
- $9 billion to expand vehicle production to 1.2 million units annually
- $6 billion for a U.S.-based integrated steel mill using eco-friendly Electric Arc Furnace technology
- $6 billion for innovation in autonomous driving, robotics, AI, and advanced air mobility
This bold $21 billion initiative is expected to create 14,000 new direct jobs and spur over 100,000 jobs across related industries nationwide.
As Hyundai builds the future of mobility with America, in America, the HMGMA plant stands as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation, community, and sustainability converge.
Looking to learn more or explore career opportunities at HMGMA?
Visit Hyundai Motor Group’s official website for updates, job openings, and community initiatives.