Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that Hyundai would add another product line at its Montgomery assembly plant. The Hyundai Santa Cruz will now also be built in Montgomery. The decision means 200 more jobs at the Montgomery plant.
Governor Kay Ivey joined Hyundai executives and local leaders to announce that Hyundai plans to add a new vehicle to its Alabama production lineup. The expansion will cost $410 million expansion at the state-of-the-art facility.
“Alabama and Hyundai have developed a great partnership over the years, and it’s a testament to our special relationship that this world-class automaker is expanding once again in Montgomery,” Governor Ivey said. “Hyundai’s new investment is giving more Alabama families an opportunity to earn a good living while also strengthening the state’s growing auto industry.”
Hyundai said the $410 million investment will create additional 230,000 square feet of space in the stamping, welding and parts processing areas of the manufacturing complex. While direct employment at HMMA will increase by 200 jobs, Hyundai projects that its local suppliers and logistics companies will employ an additional 1,000 people in Montgomery and the River Region.
“Bringing the Santa Cruz to HMMA demonstrates that Hyundai Motor Company is confident our more than 3,000 team members are ready to build a quality crossover for the U.S. market,” said Byungjin Jin, HMMA’s president and CEO.
Hyundai currently produces the Santa Fe SUV and the Sonata and Elantra sedans in Montgomery. The Santa Cruz is a compact SUV that was first introduced as a concept crossover at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Hyundai said it’s designed for younger buyers who want the traditional attributes of a compact utility vehicle but need the day-to-day versatility of an open bed.
“Hyundai’s decision to expand its Alabama production line-up to include the all-new Santa Cruz represents a milestone for the company’s Montgomery manufacturing operation,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This is another exciting development for Hyundai in Alabama, and we are eager to see what the future holds for the company in our state.”
Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, welcomed the news.
“Big news: Hyundai announced today that production of the new Santa Cruz vehicle will take place at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery,” Rep. Roby said. “This is fantastic for the area, as the $140 million expansion will bring substantial economic growth and development to the River Region. Read more about the announcement via WSFA-TV.”
Congressman Bradley Byrne, R-Montrose, also celebrated the announcement.
“Awesome news for Montgomery and the River Region!” Rep. Byrne said. “Thanks to Hyundai for bringing more jobs and investment to our state. Excited for Alabama to continue leading the way in automotive manufacturing.”
