Final Decision for Kia: West Point, Georgia

Kia Motors Corp. announced it will set up a $1.2 billion manufacturing plant in west Georgia, creating nearly 5,500 jobs for the Peach State and cementing hopes for continuing economic growth 80 miles away in Montgomery.

Industry recruiting officials in the Capital City remained upbeat about Kia's plans for West Point, Ga., and believe they eventually will generate jobs for Alabama automotive suppliers.

Georgia's incentive package includes $75.9 million in job tax credits over five years, $20.2 million for a job training center on the site and $60.5 million to purchase and prepare the site. West Point and Troup County are offering up $130 million in property tax abatements over 15 years.

The plant will hire 2,893 workers when it opens at an average annual salary of $50,000. Another 2,600 employees are expected to work at five supply companies, which have committed to place plants in Georgia near West Point to feed parts and materials to the plant.

Kia President and chief executive officer E.S. Chung said the company, which produces budget sedans and sports utility vehicles, "has entered an aggressive growth phase in the U.S." The Georgia plant is expected to produce 300,000 to 400,000 vehicles annually.

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