Seoul, South Korea – Kia has built its first vehicle in the U.S., an all-new Sorento that rolled off the production line at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) to officially open the company’s first U.S. Kia Motors plant.

KMMG is expected produce 300,000 vehicles and employ 2,500 people when it reaches full capacity. On-site and nearby suppliers will create an additional 7,500 jobs in the region.

The plant represents an investment of US$1 billion and will establish new benchmarks for vehicle quality and productivity with some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing techniques. It includes 0.8 km of height-adjustable conveyors for the most favourable installation positions for workers to reduce fatigue, and is the only plant in North America outfitted with wood flooring, for a more comfortable and forgiving work environment.

The complex includes a body stamping facility, transmission shop, and 3.2-km test track in addition to the main assembly plant.