Kia supplier to build $170 million plant in Georgia city

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced that Sewon Precision, a major Kia supplier, will locate its first U.S. plant in LaGrange, Ga. The company plans to create 700 jobs and invest $170 million in a facility to manufacture automotive components for the Kia plant in West Point over a three-year period.

“Landing a top-tier supplier such as Sewon Precision indicates that communities across West Georgia are continuing to benefit from Kia’s decision to locate in our state,” said Governor Perdue. “Suppliers have announced upwards of 2,000 jobs on top of the 2,800 that Kia will bring.”

Sewon Precision, based in Daegu, Korea, will produce stamped chassis and body components as well as some decorative trim pieces for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. The company has selected a 65-acre site at the Callaway South Industrial Park in Troup County.

Construction will begin in spring 2008 on the 420,000-square-foot building. The facility is scheduled to go into production in fall 2009.

The Sewon Group, which is the parent company of Sewon Precision, has a more than 20-year history as a Kia supplier in Korea. This will be the company’s first plant in the United States. Governor Perdue met with senior Sewon officials in October during the Kia supplier dinner in Seoul.

“We are looking forward to making LaGrange and Georgia our new home,” said Moon-Ki Kim, CEO and chairman of Sewon Precision Industrial Company Limited. “Sewon Precision is celebrated for its high quality automotive parts and I know we will continue our tradition of excellence here.”

Sewon officials and representatives from the Development Authority of LaGrange signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the project.

Mark Lytle was project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

“We are proud to welcome Sewon to LaGrange,” said Diethard Lindner, chairman of the Development Authority of LaGrange. “Sewon is the perfect anchor company for our new 1,200-acre Callaway South Industrial Park in LaGrange. Strong teamwork from the state, the Callaway Foundation, Troup County officials, City of LaGrange officials, the Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority helped us attract Sewon Precision and we will all benefit from having such a high quality company in our community.”

Since its founding in 1985, Sewon has pursued a business strategy exemplified by management accountability, client confidence in its products and the growth of its business partners. Sewon Co. specializes in the manufacture of automotive parts and ornaments. The company has achieved superior product development and manufacturing technologies through the Six Sigma revolution and productivity enhancement plans.