Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) officially opened on March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Georgia. This facility represents a major component of Hyundai Motor Group’s substantial $12.6 billion investment in the state, marking the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history. The plant will initially have an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles, with plans to expand to 500,000 units. It will manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands.
The opening event featured prominent attendees, including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, and executives from Hyundai and Kia. During the ceremony, Executive Chair Chung emphasized the group’s investment in innovation and community partnership. Governor Kemp highlighted the facility’s role in economic growth, workforce development, and the state’s advanced infrastructure.
Hyundai Motor Group first entered into an agreement with Georgia in May 2022, swiftly beginning construction within four months. By October 2024, the first Hyundai Ioniq 5 rolled off the assembly line, with the Ioniq 9 electric SUV also now in production. The first Kia vehicle from the facility is expected in 2026.
Overall, Hyundai Motor Group has invested over $20.5 billion in the U.S., directly and indirectly supporting over 570,000 jobs nationwide. The group recently announced an additional $21 billion investment from 2025 to 2028, aimed at enhancing production capabilities, logistics, steel manufacturing, and innovation in robotics, autonomous driving, AI, and advanced air mobility. These investments are projected to create approximately 14,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect job opportunities.
HMGMA features advanced manufacturing technologies, integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated systems to optimize production efficiency and quality control. Notable technological integrations include Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot for quality inspections and automated guided vehicles in logistics. The facility has a higher degree of automation compared to Hyundai’s existing plants.
Environmental sustainability features include a solar parking lot producing 5.2 megawatts of energy, covering approximately five percent of the plant’s total energy consumption. Additionally, Hyundai Motor XCIENT hydrogen fuel-cell trucks have been deployed for logistics operations.
The site also emphasizes employee comfort and collaboration through its architectural design, incorporating ample natural lighting, indoor landscaping, and recreational spaces such as a 41-acre ecological park.
Hyundai Motor Group’s presence in Georgia has also included community support through substantial financial contributions to local nonprofit organizations, particularly focused on education and sustainability.
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