Hyundai Motor Group has established a state-of-the-art manufacturing innovation hub in the United States, the world's largest automobile market. With a site area four times the size of Yeouido, this strategic production base is expected to drive global growth in automobile manufacturing, not only in the US but worldwide.

Once the 1 million-unit production system is operational in the US, Hyundai Motor Group will be able to solidify its status as a top-tier automotive company in the country. This is expected to strengthen economic cooperation between Korea and the US beyond regional boundaries and contribute to the sustainable growth of both nations.

Exterior view of Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America (HMGMA). Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

원본보기 아이콘

On the 26th (local time), Hyundai Motor Group held the completion ceremony for the 'Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA)' located in Ellabell, Georgia, USA. The event was attended by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, Vice Chairman Jang Jaehoon, Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz, Kia CEO Song Hosung, HMGMA executives and staff, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, US Congressman Buddy Carter, Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera, Korean Ambassador to the US Cho Hyundong, and over 500 others.

In his welcoming speech, Chairman Chung Euisun emphasized, "HMGMA represents a value far greater than just innovative manufacturing capabilities. What we are focusing on is the future of mobility, and it is here that we will open that future together."

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said, "HMGMA is the result of long-term preparation, and I am deeply impressed by Hyundai Motor Group's swift decision-making and execution. Georgia will support Hyundai Motor Group's innovation based on its excellent universities, workforce development programs, logistics, and infrastructure that made this project possible." Governor Kemp also personally signed an IONIQ 5 produced at HMGMA to add his congratulations.

Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America (HMGMA) Ioniq 5 assembly scene. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

원본보기 아이콘

At the entrance to the event, the Hyundai Alabama Plant (HMMA), Kia Georgia Plant (KaGA), and vehicles such as the GV70 Electrified, EV9, and IONIQ 5 produced at HMGMA were on display. Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot SPOT assisted as a guide, highlighting the organic collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group's US production network and its local subsidiaries.

Before the ceremony, key attendees including Governor Brian Kemp toured the production line with Chairman Chung Euisun, from the press shop to the assembly area, showing great interest in the human-centered manufacturing process where robots and humans work in harmony.

HMGMA is a software-defined factory (SDF) that achieves manufacturing innovation through automation, intelligence, and flexibility. It embodies Hyundai Motor Group's commitment to realizing future mobility through flexible and free collaboration by connecting AI, robotics, and people based on data within a human-centered manufacturing environment.

The name 'Metaplant' combines 'meta', meaning 'beyond', and 'plant', the production base, symbolizing the ambition to transcend current limitations and become a center of new creativity. Hyundai Motor Group also designated HMGMA workers as 'Metapro'.

HMGMA workers called 'Metapro' assembling the Ioniq 9. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

원본보기 아이콘

In October 2022, Hyundai Motor Group decided to establish HMGMA, its third production base in the US, as a smart factory with an annual capacity of 300,000 units, based on advanced technology, and began construction. Since October last year, it has been producing the IONIQ 5, and this month began mass production of the Hyundai electrified flagship SUV, IONIQ 9. Next year, Kia models will also be added, and the production lineup will be further expanded to include Genesis vehicles in the future.

Through the introduction of a mixed production system, not only electric vehicles but also hybrid models will be added next year to meet the diverse eco-friendly vehicle demands of US consumers.

With the completion of HMGMA, Hyundai Motor Group has established a production system in the US with a capacity of 1 million units per year. This achievement comes 20 years after the company began local production by opening a plant in Alabama in 2005. Additionally, by investing a total of $8.6 billion by 2028, the group plans to increase capacity by 200,000 units, expanding to a total of 1.2 million units.

The total site area of HMGMA is 11.76 million square meters (about 3.55 million pyeong), equivalent to about four times the size of Yeouido. On the site, there is a complete vehicle production plant comprising press, body, paint, and assembly shops, as well as key parts affiliates and a joint battery cell plant. Together with nearby domestic partners supplying parts to HMGMA, an 'advanced future vehicle cluster' has been formed.

Affiliates such as Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Glovis, Hyundai Steel, and Hyundai Transys also operate factories on the site. Hyundai Mobis produces and supplies 300,000 battery systems and parts modules annually, making it the largest overseas production base for the company.

원본보기 아이콘

Hyundai Glovis operates an integrated logistics center and a pre-shipment finished vehicle management center on the site. Autonomous drones monitor parts inventory in real time and use demand-based data to predict parts quantities, enabling timely supply of components.

Hyundai Steel processes and supplies ultra-high-strength automotive steel sheets at the Georgia Steel Service Center on the site. It currently supplies enough for 200,000 vehicles annually, with plans to expand capacity to 400,000 units in the future. Hyundai Transys supplies 420,000 sets of seats and seat frames, which are key automotive components, annually.

The joint battery cell plant between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution is also under construction on the site, aiming for completion next year. With an annual capacity of 30GWh, it will be able to supply batteries for approximately 360,000 IONIQ 5 vehicles.

Additionally, HMGMA is driving the entry and sales expansion of domestic parts suppliers into the US, providing new global opportunities for partners. Located about 420km from the Kia plant in Georgia and about 510km from the Hyundai plant in Alabama, it is expected to ensure stable supply sources for parts suppliers. As a result of HMGMA, 17 partners have newly entered or expanded their presence in Georgia.

Workers of Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America (HMGMA) 'Metapro' at work. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

원본보기 아이콘