Hyundai supplier Sewon America to bring more than 700 jobs to Effingham County

Latrice Williams, Savannah Morning News

February 22, 2023 at 10:36 AM·3 min read

Bryan, Bulloch and Chatham County each have a Hyundai supplier committed to building a facility in their county.

It would only be a matter of time before Effingham County joined them.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kemp announced Sewon America would invest more than $300 million into a new manufacturing facility in Rincon. The move will bring more than 700 jobs to the county.

“Today we not only celebrate delivering on our promise to create jobs in all four counties in the JDA but also the growth of a valued partner in our business community,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “On my very first international trip as governor to Korea, I had the opportunity to congratulate Chairman Kim on the company’s then-recent expansion and discuss how we could continue to work together. I am proud that those discussions have now led to this announcement as Sewon America continues to grow their Georgia operations.”

More:Hyundai EV plant in Bryan County to be 3x size of Montgomery and other updates from SEDA

More:Hyundai is bringing jobs to Savannah. So are Hyundai suppliers. Here is who is coming.

More:World's largest auto supplier to invest millions in Hyundai plant, bringing thousands of jobs

Sewon America first came to the U.S. in 2008, setting up shop in Lagrange, Ga., and has since doubled in size. It is one of the biggest auto body parts plants in the U.S. Sewon’s newest facility will be at the Grande View industrial park in Rincon and will produce electric vehicle body parts. Production is slated to begin in 2025.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Sewon America to our community,” said Rincon Mayor Ken Lee. “We commend our friends and partners at the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority for working diligently to bring what will be the largest employment and private investment project in the city’s history. We look forward to working with Sewon to ensure their long-term success in our community.”

Sewon America will invest millions into a manufacturing plant in Rincon.

Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns worked alongside Sewon America executives to secure the project.

“This is a proud day for Effingham County and coastal Georgia as we celebrate the creation of 740 new jobs in our area,” said Burns. “I want to thank our friends at Sewon America for investing in our community and our state. I also want to thank Governor Kemp and all of the public and private partners who have helped to make today’s announcement possible.”

More:Hyundai supplier to invest $205 million in manufacturing plant in Bulloch County

Nine months ago, the Savannah Joint Development Authority, Kemp and local officials celebrated the announcement of Hyundai’s $5.5 billion investment into an EV battery plant. Last fall, Hyundai held a groundbreaking ceremony in Bryan County and capped off the day with a community celebration at Enmarket Arena.

As suppliers begin to pour in, each county celebrates their partnership knowing it will provide careers and economic stability for future generations to come.

“We are thrilled that Sewon America has selected Grande View industrial park as the best location to make a significant investment for their future growth,” said Chairman of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority Troy Smith. “Sewon America and the IDA’s investment in our community will allow current and future generations the ability to have a fulfilling, well-paying career without leaving Effingham County. We couldn’t have made this happen without the help and leadership of our partners at the city of Rincon and the Effingham County Board of Commissioners.”

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Effingham County gets first Hyundai supplier for Bryan County megasite

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