Hyundai opens its third factory in the US: Metaplant America

Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) today hosted its grand opening celebration, as part of Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to investment in the U.S. The ceremony marks the completion of the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, just two and a half years after breaking ground.

This is the Hyundai Motor Group's third manufacturing plant in the US, after Hyundai's factory in Alabama and Kia's facility in Georgia. 

“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. “With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”

The HMGMA vehicle assembly and battery plant will produce up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands

On October 3, 2024, less than two years after breaking ground, the first vehicle – a Hyundai Ioniq 5 – rolled off the assembly line, marking a new era for the Group’s U.S. operations. Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 three-row electric SUV is also now in production at HMGMA and will be joined in 2026 by the first Kia model to be built at the facility.

In addition to manufacturing electric vehicles for Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, the plant is also equipped to produce hybrid vehicles. HMGMA has the capacity to initially produce 300,000 vehicles annually.

Investment and economic impact
The Hyundai Motor Group's investment in Georgia related to HMGMA and joint battery ventures with LG Energy Solution and SK On is $12.6 billion. This represents the largest single investment in the state's history and includes a total of 8,500 jobs at HMGMA by 2031. The Group’s total investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, and $4.6 billion in individual earnings every year, according to the Center for Automotive Research.

As of July 2024, more than $2.5 billion in capital investment and approximately 6,900 jobs have been announced by HMGMA suppliers in 12 counties across the state.

To date, the Korean auto major has invested more than $20.5 billion in the U.S. Earlier this week, the Group announced a significant investment of $21 billion in the US from 2025 to 2028; $9 billion will be invested to establish an annual production capacity in the U.S. of 1.2 million vehicles. The Group plans to expand HMGMA's annual production capacity to a total of 500,000 units, an increase of 200,000 units from the original plan. In addition, the Group’s existing U.S. production sites – Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Kia Autoland Georgia – will also see improvements in production facilities.