Hyundai supplier, Mobis, announce new factory bringing 400 jobs to Montgomery
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined executives of Hyundai Mobis in the Old House Chambers of the historic Alabama State Capital to announce the company’s plan to build a second manufacturing plant in the Montgomery area. Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cedric Campbell said that Mobis plans to invest $205 million to open an EV battery module plant in Montgomery that will eventually employ at least 400 people. Once it reaches full production, the 450,000-square-foot facility will be able to supply over 200,000 EV batteries annually to the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) factory in Montgomery and the Kia Georgia plant. Hyundai plants to produce a luxury Genesis GV70 vehicle as well as an electric version of the popular Santa Fe sports utility vehicle. “Alabama’s auto manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly to capitalize on the EV revolution that is sweeping the industry, and this new Hyundai Mobis battery plant represents another milestone in that transition,” said Gov. Ivey. “We’re excited about the company’s new investment and what it represents for the next chapter of automaking in Alabama.” Mobis is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. “It is an honor to host you all in the state capital, and especially to have our friends from Korea, here today,” said Gov. Ivey. Ivey praised Hyundai. “We have watched the company grow more and more and have watched the company evolve to keep up with the ever-changing automotive industry,” said Ivey. “When you choose the state of Alabama to do business, you can expect the full support of the state of Alabama as well as from local government.” H.S. Oh is the vice president of the division that produces the electric powertrain business for Hyundai Mobis. Oh said that the new Alabama EV battery assembly facility will play a critical role in the company’s plans to expand its production network across the globe. “As the EV market continues to grow, having a strong production capacity will be key in allowing Hyundai Mobis to see continued growth in the market,” Vice President Oh stated. “We believe this new facility in Montgomery will be an important step in that process, and we are excited for the project to be underway.” “Governor Ivey, we thank you for the work that you, your cabinet, and your entire staff do for the state of Alabama, the Montgomery City, and the entire river region,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “There are a lot of pieces that have to come together to have a $205 million dollar investment, especially one that produces over 400 jobs.” “We will be there every step of the way to get things up and running in this facility,” said Mayor Reed. Reed thanked the members of the industrial development board, the Governor, the county, and the Chamber of Commerce, “It is the hard work of the employees that make this possible. It is their hard work that allows us to recruit companies to this city and the river region.” “This is one of the best economic development years in memory, said Reed, who just last week welcomed Manna Beverages and Ventures to the city. “I am delighted to welcome the Mobus facility to Montgomery,” said HMMA President Ernie Kim. “Over the last ten years, Hyundai has enjoyed the support of the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama. This facility will allow Hyundai to become a leader in electric vehicle production.” Isaiah Sankey is the Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission. “Electrification of vehicles creates a green, clean economy,” said Sankey. “Electrification of vehicles makes me proud that Montgomery County will be part of cleaning up the environment.” “Thanks to the governor for all that you do that makes the state of Alabama great,” Sankey said. The EV battery module plant will expand Hyundai Mobis’ already large presence in Montgomery. Hyundai Mobis has operated a manufacturing facility on 83 acres in Montgomery since 2002 as the largest Tier 1 supplier to HMAA and Kia Georgia. The plant supplies the auto plants with complete cockpit modules and front and rear chassis modules, as well as bumper assemblies and instrument panels. “Hyundai Mobis’ investment project in Montgomery reflects an acceleration in the development of the EV supply chain in Alabama’s auto industry,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield in a statement. “We’re going to be a major production player in the EV market, and that’s going to trigger more growth within the sector.” Hyundai Mobis said that the construction of the new facility will be located on HMAA’s sprawling campus just off Interstate 65 in Montgomery. Construction is expected to begin as early as December. Production of EV battery assemblies is projected to begin in 2024. President Joe Biden has announced a goal of making the entire new American automobile production electric by 2030. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Manna Beverage to bring over 170 jobs to Montgomery
Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that Manna Beverages & Ventures was going to site a new multi-million dollar facility in the City of Montgomery. Manna is owned by Manna Capital Partners, which was started by NBA legend Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman. “It is an exciting day for both the State of Alabama and the City of Montgomery,” said Gov. Ivey. “If you are willing to work hard, we are here to help you all the way.” “Announcements like this are a solid sign that in the state of Alabama, we are doing things right,” Ivey continued. “Manna Beverages & Ventures represents a $600 million investment and more than 280 jobs for the state of Alabama and the City of Montgomery. It takes a lot of teamwork to achieve an announcement like this today. In my time as Governor, I have been fortunate to have an all-star team to work with Chambers of Commerce like this and the team at the Alabama Department of Commerce.” “My goal in the next four years is to lean more on public-private partnerships to bring more announcements like this,” Ivey said. “Junior, thank you for bringing your business to the state of Alabama. You will not regret it.” Bridgeman said the $600 million investment will “start with 170 jobs” and “hopefully will get up to 280 jobs.” He said that the company would emphasize working with minority and women-owned businesses. “Thank you to the great State of Alabama and the City of Montgomery,” stated Junior Bridgeman. “Thank you to welcoming me and my team to the beautiful and historic City of Montgomery. We are very excited to be here.” Bridgeman announced that Manna Beverages & Ventures “Will build our first facility in Montgomery to produce beverages for world-class brand owners.” Bridgeman said that the 1.7 million square foot facility would be located at a 180-acre site off of I-65. Bridgeman noted that the facility should open in early 2025. “It is special for me to be here in this special and historic place – the City of Montgomery,” Bridgeman said. “The truth is that the people here in Montgomery are genuine.” “I want to thank Governor Ivey for her leadership and support for jobs and economic development not just for Montgomery and this region; but for the entire state,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “Manna Capital Partners launching their $600 million Manna Beverages investment does not just happen overnight. It takes a lot of work. This is another great performance by the city, the county, and the state.” Reed praised Bridgeman and Manna Beverages & Ventures for their commitment to working with Black and women-owned businesses. “That means a lot,” said Reed. “They have already asked about opportunities to partner with our schools and grow the economic ecosystems that are here.” Bridgeman is a retired NBA and college basketball star who invested in dining franchises and later became a Coca-Cola bottler after his retirement. Reed praised Bridgeman for his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. “He has shown the ability to manage the toughest areas of business – the restaurant and hospitality business. He is one of the top ten wealthiest retired athletes in the world. He was number four in 2016. Let’s help him to get to number one,” said Reed. “It is a great day today to be here and celebrate with them coming to Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton. “When you are out there recruiting, most of the time, the prospect wants to know what you are going to do for them, but meeting with Manna, they were all about what they would do for our community.” “We are honored this morning to welcome a new business to our community,” said Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Director Cedric Campbell. “ Since first being elevated to Governor in 2017, Ivey has focused on economic development issues to raise employment rates and Alabama household incomes. Ivey is seeking a second term as governor. She faces Democratic party nominee Yolanda Flowers and Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
