MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hyundai Power Transformers USA announced today that it is investing $33 million to increase production at its manufacturing facility in Montgomery, creating 86 new jobs.
HPT said the expansion project will enable it to establish a “Smart Factory” and boost production of its power transformers by more than 60 percent. The expansion will include a new training facility that will help foster an advanced labor force and achieve revenue goals.
HPT President and Chief Operating Officer J.S. Kim said the company has developed a supportive relationship with state and local agencies to provide both technical and production job opportunities.
“The power transformers produced at HPT requires a highly technical developed workforce. HPT supports the state’s workforce development planning and activity. The two- and four-year schools constantly have dialogue with HPT in relation to new methods of workforce development,” he said.
Kim also said AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, has played an instrumental role in the company’s workforce efforts.
“AIDT is among the highest quality workforce development programs in the U.S.,” he said.
DEEPENING ROOTS
“This expansion will serve to deepen the company’s roots in the state and extend our partnership to a new level. ”
HPT began operations in Montgomery in 2011. Construction for the expansion of the HPT facility at 215 Folmar Parkway in Interstate Industrial Park will begin in July, with expanded production commencing in December 2019, according to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
“I am always thrilled to see a company expand in Alabama because that means they have found success thanks to a talented workforce and all the other advantages our state has to offer,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
“Hyundai Power Transformers is making a significant investment in its Montgomery operation and adding to its workforce, which tells me the company’s Alabama operation is thriving.”
HPT’s Alabama facility was the first U.S. production plant for South Korea’s electric power industry. The facility today employs 300 people and can produce 80 power transformers annually for the U.S. market, the world’s second largest after China.
“We have worked hard to develop long-lasting relationships with Korean companies, so it’s great to see Hyundai Power Transformers move ahead with a plan to expand the production capabilities of its Montgomery facility,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“This expansion will serve to deepen the company’s roots in the state and extend our partnership to a new level.”
‘ANOTHER MILESTONE’
Hyundai Electric, which recently acquired ownership of HPT, said it will expand the company’s sales force and reinforce its sales infrastructure as it diversifies its business portfolio into high voltage circuit breakers, rotary machines, power distributors and energy solutions.
“Hyundai Power Transformers’ expansion marks another milestone in our longstanding partnership,” Mayor Todd Strange said. “We wish the company continued success in its home of Montgomery and remain committed to helping grow its production here.”
HPT said those interested in applying for one of the new jobs can email recruit@hhiamerica.com.
