Published On: 10.27.22 | 

By: Jerry Underwood

Hyundai Mobis plans Alabama EV battery module plant, creating 400 jobs

Gov. Kay Ivey announces that Hyundai Mobis plans to invest $205 million to open an EV battery assembly plant in Montgomery that will supply Hyundai and Kia auto plants in the Southeast. (Hal Yeager / Governor's Office)

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey joined executives of Hyundai Mobis, one of the world’s largest auto suppliers, today to announce the company’s plans to invest $205 million to open an EV battery module plant in Montgomery that will eventually employ at least 400 people.

Hyundai Alabama executive Ernie Kim talks about Hyundai Mobis’ plans to open a $205 million EV battery assembly plant in Montgomery during a ceremony at the State Capitol on Thursday. The Mobis facility will provide EV batteries to Hyundai’s Alabama plant. (Hal Yeager / Governor’s Office)

Once it reaches full production, the 450,000-square-foot facility will be able to supply more than 200,000 EV batteries annually to the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) factory in Montgomery and the Kia Georgia plant.

“Alabama’s auto manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly to capitalize on the EV revolution that is sweeping the industry, and this new Hyundai Mobis battery plant represents another milestone in that transition,” Ivey said. “We’re excited about the company’s new investment and what it represents for the next chapter of automaking in Alabama.”

Ivey, leaders of Hyundai Mobis and HMMA, and local officials outlined details about the new facility at a formal announcement ceremony this morning in the Old House Chambers at the Alabama State Capitol.

H.S. Oh, vice president of the electric powertrain business for Hyundai Mobis, said the new Alabama EV battery assembly facility will play a critical role in the company’s plans to expand its production network across the globe.

“As the EV market continues to grow, having a strong production capacity will be key in allowing Hyundai Mobis to see continued growth in the market,” he said. “We believe this new facility in Montgomery will be an important step in that process, and we are excited for the project to be underway.”

Hyundai Mobis has operated a manufacturing facility in Montgomery since 2002. Now the company is expanding its presence to include an electric vehicle battery module plant. (Hal Yeager / Governor’s Office)

Growth plans

The EV battery module plant will expand Hyundai Mobis’ already large presence in Montgomery.

Hyundai Mobis has operated a manufacturing facility on 83 acres in Montgomery since 2002 as the largest Tier 1 supplier to HMAA and Kia Georgia. The plant supplies the auto plants with complete cockpit modules and front and rear chassis modules, as well as bumper assemblies and instrument panels.

“Hyundai Mobis’ investment project in Montgomery reflects an acceleration in the development of the EV supply chain in Alabama’s auto industry,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We’re going to be a major production player in the EV market, and that’s going to trigger more growth within the sector.”

Hyundai Mobis said construction on the new facility, on the HMAA campus just off Interstate 65 in Montgomery, is expected to begin as early as December.

Production of EV battery assemblies is projected to begin in 2024.

Earlier this year, Hyundai announced plans to begin EV production at its Montgomery manufacturing plant through a $300 million investment that will create 200 jobs. Hyundai’s Alabama workforce will produce the all-electric Genesis GV70 luxury SUV and a hybrid electric version of the Santa Fe SUV.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed speaks at the announcement of a Hyundai Mobis electric vehicle battery module plant to be built in his city. (Hal Yeager / Governor’s Office)

Local impact

Montgomery leaders said Hyundai Mobis’ growth plans will add a new dimension to the region’s growing automotive manufacturing cluster.

“Montgomery and Hyundai Mobis have a powerful partnership,” Mayor Steven Reed said. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship in the coming years and working to support this tremendous investment. This is a continuation of the biggest year for economic development in the history of our city.”

“Our commitment to our partnership with Hyundai Mobis continues to deepen, and we are so honored by this significant investment,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton. “Together, we are charting the course for success and opportunity in the River Region.”

“Partnership and teamwork are key to this kind of economic growth, and we are grateful for the impact this kind of investment will have on the entire region,” said Cedric Campbell, chair of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

Seoul, South Korea-based Hyundai Mobis is a longtime supply partner for Hyundai Motor Co. and its Kia and Genesis affiliates. In addition to providing major component systems for the automakers, the company offers after-service parts.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.