OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012
Governor Bentley Praises New Jobs Coming to Montgomery Area
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield on Tuesday congratulated Hyundai officials for their announcement of a third shift and nearly 900 jobs that will be added to the company’s Montgomery plant in September.
“Recently, I led a delegation to Korea on a business mission in which we shared our commitment to Hyundai’s future growth in Alabama. This week’s announcement of hundreds of additional jobs comes as a result of Hyundai building popular, dependable vehicles and Alabama providing an excellent location where international companies can succeed,” Governor Bentley said. “With the announcement of an additional shift at Hyundai, we will be putting more people in Alabama back to work. I congratulate Hyundai on this achievement as well as the vision and execution of a solid business plan by Hyundai Motors Chairman Chung and HMMA President Lim.”
Canfield said during the Alabama business mission to Korea, members of the Alabama delegation discussed their strategic visioning plan (Accelerate Alabama.) Chairman Chung also discussed with them the importance of a high level of standards within the company and its suppliers while meeting increased consumer demand.
“This is how successful advanced manufacturing can be in Alabama,” Canfield said. “We have the workforce, a favorable business environment, and all of the other ingredients needed for successful growth.”
“The continued success of Hyundai’s Sonata and Elantra in North America is a direct reflection of the dedication to quality and craftsmanship by every HMMA team member,” said Young Deuk Lim, HMMA president and chief executive officer. “This commitment is the key reason Hyundai Motor Company chose to continue to invest in the people of Alabama and increase vehicle production in Montgomery.”
The transition to three shifts will begin in September of 2012. Job applications and pre-employment training will begin this summer. The hiring process will be facilitated by Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT). The increased volume at HMMA will also create more jobs at nearby suppliers. HMMA began producing the newly redesigned Sonata in December 2009, and the sedan has consistently been Hyundai’s best-selling vehicle.
The Alabama-built Sonata represents 33 percent of Hyundai’s U.S. sales. The newly redesigned Elantra has been assembled at HMMA since October of 2010, and, together with production from Korea, represents 31 percent of Hyundai’s U.S. sales. Canadian sales of the Sonata and Elantra account for more than 14 percent of HMMA’s annual production.
The announcement of additional U.S. production capacity comes as Hyundai’s U.S. sales broke an all-time record in March 2012. Through March 2012, sales of the Sonata and Elantra sedans have already seen year-over-year sales increases of six percent and eight percent, respectively, which is above the record levels set during 2011.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., is an independent manufacturing operation of Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, South Korea. HMMA currently produces the 2013 Sonata and Elantra sedans. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 900 Hyundai dealerships across North America.
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For additional information, contact the Governor’s Press Office at 334-242-7150.