Hyundai Motor Group celebrated the grand opening of its Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, GA, marking the completion of the largest economic development project in the state’s history.
Since the project's groundbreaking in 2022, Hyundai’s supplier network has announced more than $2.5 billion in capital investment across 12 Georgia counties -- more than double the initially projected $1 billion -- bringing approximately 6,900 new jobs to the region.
“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, during the grand opening celebration.
HMGMA is expected to play a central role in Hyundai’s long-term electrification strategy. The plant, which began production in October 2024 with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and later the IONIQ 9, is equipped to manufacture both electric and hybrid vehicles for Hyundai, Genesis and Kia. Hyundai plans to add a Kia model to the production line by 2026 and increase annual production capacity at HMGMA from 300,000 to 500,000 units.
Overall, Hyundai and its joint ventures with LG Energy Solution and SK On have committed $12.6 billion to the HMGMA project. According to the Center for Automotive Research, these investments are projected to generate nearly 40,000 direct and indirect jobs and $4.6 billion in annual individual earnings across Georgia.
“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. “Collaborations between HMGMA and Georgia’s universities and technical colleges... are preparing Georgians for high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow.”
The company’s investment footprint continues to grow beyond Georgia. Hyundai announced it plans to invest $21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028, including $9 billion aimed at scaling domestic production capacity to 1.2 million vehicles annually.
To date, Hyundai has invested over $20.5 billion in the U.S., contributing to the creation or support of more than 570,000 jobs nationwide.
