The Economy

Hyundai Heavy Industries to Build First U.S. Plant

July 16, 2010

Korean-based manufacturer selects Montgomery, Ala., as site of new facility.

Seoul, Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. will build a manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Ala., its first U.S. facility.

The $90 million investment will create 480 new jobs, according to the Alabama Development Office.

The facility, which will make large power transformers, will be known as Hyundai Electrical Systems Alabama Inc. A groundbreaking is expected to take place later this month, with construction complete by the end of 2011, and production beginning in early 2012.

Montgomery was a finalist among several cities in four Southern states.

The state, county and city worked together to provide a competitive incentive package for the company, and it was that spirit of cooperation and collaboration that ultimately put Montgomery over the top, the Alabama Development Office said in a new release. Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange reached out to the city of Prattville, Elmore County and the city of Greenville and asked for their commitment and investment.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.