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opment in the state’s history, the announcement is further affirmation that Georgia has earned its No. 1 ranking as the top state for business over the last eight years. It’s not just good news for Georgia; it’s good news for the region surrounding the plant, including Toombs and its contiguous counties.

“We look forward to the new opportunities the project will bring to our local community businesses and citizens, either directly or through the network of subsidiaries and suppliers,“ said Michele Johnson, President of the Greater Vidalia Chamber.

She said the Chamber and the Toombs County Development Authority are delighted for their friends in Bryan County and eager to join them in welcoming Hyundai Motor Group. “Congratulations to the local, regional and state team of economic developers who worked tirelessly on this huge win for Georgia.” The Hyundai plant will be located on Interstate 16, to which Toombs is connected by U.S. Highway 1. In choosing Georgia, Hyundai cited speed-tomarket, workforce, and the state’s ability to meet the company’s carbon neutrality standards. Additionally, Georgia is home to an existing network of Hyundai subsidiaries and suppliers.

State and local economic development leaders have been working on landing Hyundai for some time. The 2,923-acre 'mega-site' was purchased jointly by the state and the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority last year, according to Dave Williams of Capitol Beat news service. Kemp held initial conversations in 2019, his first year in office, when he traveled to South Korea with top officials from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., met with Chung and other Hyundai officials last November on a trip to South Korea. 'This multibillion-dollar opportunity for Georgia will create thousands of jobs and grow Georgia’s reputation as a world leader in automotive and clean energy manufacturing,' Ossoff said May 20. Hyundai expects to begin construction on the new plant in January, with full production expected in the first half of 2025. Wages for the advanced manufacturing jobs the plant will create will be competitive with the local market. 'We are proud to welcome Hyundai Motor Group to Georgia as we forge an innovative future together,' Kemp said during the signing ceremony. 'With this announcement … we will continue working to make Georgia the premier destination for quality companies who are creating the jobs of today, tomorrow, and beyond.”

Euisun Chung, executive chairman of the Korean auto manufacturer, said, “The U.S. has always held an important place in [Hyundai Motor Group’s] global strategy,' added 'We are excited to partner with the state of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U.S.”