MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Alabama officials on Tuesday celebrated Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s 20 years of automotive production in Montgomery, praising the automaker’s economic impact, job creation and commitment to quality.
Since its grand opening on May 20, 2005, Hyundai Alabama (HMMA) has built 6.2 million vehicles, assembled a workforce topping 4,000 team members, and helped the state become a national powerhouse in automotive manufacturing.
Governor Kay Ivey issued a formal commendation highlighting HMMA’s sustained contributions to the state’s economy and praising the partnership between the company and the people of Alabama.
Her proclamation notes that HMMA’s 20th anniversary represents a “moment to not only honor its remarkable accomplishments, but also the teamwork, innovation and partnerships that have defined its legacy.”
HMMA President and CEO Mark Rader emphasized the importance of the company’s relationship with state and local partners.
“On behalf of our 4,200 team members, HMMA is honored and deeply grateful to Governor Ivey for her formal commendation to HMMA for its 20th anniversary and its contributions to Alabama’s economy, workforce and future over the past two decades,” Rader said.
He added that the future for Hyundai in Alabama looks equally bright.
“Through the talent and resilience of our HMMA team and our close partnerships with the state of Alabama, our region’s cities and communities, and our Alabama-based suppliers, I am confident that the next 20 years of HMMA’s history will be as successful and exciting as the last,” Rader said.
‘Remarkable impact’
The Alabama manufacturing plant produces an average of approximately 360,000 vehicles annually for the North American market, including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Tucson and Santa Cruz, as well as the Genesis GV70 and Electrified GV70.
Over the past 20 years, Hyundai has invested over $3 billion in expansions and new technologies allowing it to produce a wide array of vehicles from sedans, pickup trucks, and SUVs, to hybrid and electric vehicles, all on the same assembly line.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said that the partnership has had a “remarkable impact” on Montgomery and the entire state.
“From the moment Hyundai chose Montgomery as the home for its U.S. manufacturing plant, it has been a transformational engine, providing an economic impact of well over $5 billion annually to the Alabama economy in addition to thousands of well-paying jobs for our citizens,” Secretary McNair said.
“As someone who had the privilege of working alongside the dedicated team that helped bring Hyundai to Alabama, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness this transformation firsthand,” she added.
