Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama opened its latest facility in Montgomery last week. The $388 million facility is an engine-head machining shop. It will manufacture the company’s Theta engines.
The 260,000-square-foot facility is Hyundai’s third in Alabama and will support the production of Sonata and Elantra sedans. The redesigned Sonata will be in dealerships in October.
The facility is one of three at the Montgomery manufacturing plant and is expected to create 50 jobs.
The plant supports the production of 65,000 engines annually.
“Hyundai’s investment to prepare the Montgomery facility for next-generation engines underscores the strength of the alliance we have formed with the automaker and sets the stage for continued growth in this mutually beneficial relationship,” Greg Canfield, Alabama Department of Commerce secretary, said.
Hyundai’s engine manufacturing facilities will produce the Smartstream 1.6L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine and the Smartstream 2.5L Gasoline Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine. Both are new engines.
Hyundai is the largest private manufacturer in the Montgomery region. The company employs 2,700 full-time and 500 part-time employees.
The factory also produces the Santa Fe SUV in Montgomery.
Santa Fe is the second-highest selling vehicle in North America and has been experiencing year-over-year sales increases for nine consecutive months.