Washington, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers welcomed the announcement last night that South Korean automaker Kia will build a major new production facility in West Point, Georgia, saying the people of East Alabama stand ready to do whatever they can to help the auto manufacturer succeed.

“The citizens of East Alabama welcome Kia to our community,” Rogers said. “It goes without saying that all of us are thrilled Kia chose to locate their plant near the Alabama line, and we stand ready to do whatever we can to help the new facility succeed.”

Rogers said the automaker could bring thousands of new jobs to the region, including the possibility of additional suppliers in Alabama. “Kia’s decision to locate their plant here clearly demonstrates the importance of our workforce, and the growing economic alliance between the United States and South Korea,” he said.

Rogers said the announcement is another example of the growing importance of the automotive industry to Alabama’s Third District. Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Company, operates a manufacturing facility in Montgomery. He said Honda Motor Company also operates a large manufacturing facility in Talladega County.

“We welcome our newest neighbors to the community, and look forward to doing whatever we can to help build a strong and lasting partnership over the coming decades,” Rogers added.
  
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