– Kia installs framework of new manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh
– 214-hectare plant will provide jobs for 3,000 local residents
– Mass production scheduled to begin in second half of 2019
– Kia and local government plan training program for local residents
Anantapur, February 22, 2018 – Kia Motors today held a framework installation ceremony for its first Indian manufacturing facility in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The company’s new plant covers an area of 23 million square feet (213.7 hectares) and, once fully operational, will provide approximately 3,000 jobs and produce 300,000 cars annually.
Currently one month ahead of schedule, the construction process is planned for completion as early as by the end of the first quarter of next year, with vehicle production earmarked to begin later in 2019.
“I believe Kia will bring amazing change and hope to both of the State of Andhra Pradesh and the entire India. We are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard of automotive lifestyle experience by providing Indian consumers with world-class products and service, but also deeply engaging with the Indian people and giving back to the community whenever possible,” Han-Woo Park, President and CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, said during the special ceremony.
Kia Motors India will soon start recruiting the 3,000 employees needed to operate the plant. The company is currently in discussions with the Andhra Pradesh Government to start a joint training program at state government level to develop the necessary manufacturing skills among local residents.
About KIA Motors India (KMI)
In April 2017, Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility in Anantapur District. Construction of Kia Motors’ first manufacturing facility in India commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017. The manufacturing facility is expected to begin production in the second half of 2019 and produce approximately 300,000 units per year.
For more information about Kia Motors India, please visit our website www.kia.com
About Kia Motors Corporation (KMC)
Kia Motors Corporation – a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million Kia vehicles a year are produced at 14 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 180 countries. Kia today has over 51,000 employees’ worldwide and annual revenues of about US$47 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – “The Power to Surprise” – represents the company’s global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
For more information about Kia Motors and our products, please visit our Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com.