ELLABELL, GA—Hyundai Motor Group has opened a new assembly plant here that will produce a variety of electric and hybrid vehicles under the Hyundai Genesis and Kia nameplates. The $7.6 billion facility is located 20 miles west of Savannah.

“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) represents [our] advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation…” says Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.

“HMGMA’s architecture blends advanced technology with design elements that reflect [our] brand identity and the natural beauty of the Savannah area,” explains Chung. “The 3,050-foot-long front of the building’s exterior is lit in two parallel lines, inspired by a stream, and outlines an area where interstate travelers [on I-16] can view the vehicles as they travel by conveyor from paint to general assembly.”

HMGMA has integrated a variety of manufacturing technologies and systems from Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, scaling them to accommodate the larger production volume at the Georgia facility.

For example, all HMGMA’s processes, including order collection, procurement, logistics and production, are optimized using artificial intelligence and real-time data. The assembly plant also features cutting-edge robotics and vision systems that ensure high-quality vehicle production.

“These innovative manufacturing systems help create a human-centered work environment, with robots assisting human workers, improving efficiency,” claims Chung. “HMGMA expands its mixed-model production capability and integrates various robot processes to enhance automation, including automated guided vehicles for an optimized logistics system….Automation in HMGMA’s assembly shop is nearly double that of [our] existing facilities.”

“It’s a historic moment that our state-of-the-art smart plant is officially open,” adds Oscar Kwon, CEO of HMGMA. “It is as important for us to create a comfortable and welcoming work environment for our Metaplant employees, also known as Meta Pros, as it is for us to create an energy-efficient and technologically advanced plant. It is essential for our Meta Pros to be happy, comfortable and safe in their work environment for long-lasting careers at HMGMA.

“All the work zones, from office to production areas, have been designed to encourage communication and build team collaboration,” says Kwon. “The designs feature open layouts with ample daylight and indoor landscaping. Production areas, such as those in the assembly building, have team centers with skylights delivering natural light at the center of the building and can be used for employee breaks and meetings.”

HMGMA has also deployed Hyundai’s Xcient heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for logistics operations. More than 20 trucks are currently in operation, transporting parts from suppliers across the region to the 2,906-acre Megasite.