Hyundai isn’t going anywhere. After ICE agents raided the automaker’s Metaplant America in Georgia in September, detaining some 475 workers and placing some in shackles, there was outrage in South Korea, a longtime US ally. However, just a few days later, the company confirmed that its plans to invest an additional $2.7 billion to increase production capacity at the site will proceed. The facility is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026.

Whatever the federal government may think about EVs, Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp has made it clear where he stands. He and other state and local leaders recently attended a grand opening ceremony for the new Hyundai Mobility Training Center adjacent to the Metaplant.

The new 89,000-square-foot facility is designed to train the next generation of EV manufacturing professionals. At full capacity, the new facility will be able to train up to 824 individuals at a time, providing customized, immersive education tailored to Hyundai’s EV manufacturing processes.

“Our focus has never wavered from bringing quality jobs to hard-working Georgians and connecting them to the skills needed for success,” said Governor Kemp. “The Hyundai Mobility Training Center of Georgia will give thousands of people over the years the knowledge they need to benefit from this generational project.”

The new training center will be operated by Georgia Quick Start, a workforce development program that’s part of the Technical College System of Georgia. It will prepare employees for roles at Hyundai and affiliate companies.

Quick Start’s training professionals collaborated with Hyundai to design infrastructure that mirrors the processes trainees will encounter at the Metaplant, including:

•           STEP Line (Safe Transition for Efficient Production): an introductory line where trainees build timing, awareness and coordination skills in a controlled, digital environment.

•           IMPACT Line (Immersive Manufacturing Process and Conveyor Training): a full-length, moving production line with 53 integrated assembly activities and a built-in quality check system that’s designed to replicate real-world EV production.

•           High-voltage Battery and Safety Lab: a specialized space for hands-on learning with high-voltage systems.

“The Hyundai Mobility Training Center of Georgia represents our commitment to investing in people as we continue to create high-paying American jobs,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “As we expand production at HMGMA, we need a workforce equipped with the skills to build next-generation vehicles with next-generation production processes.”

Source: Georgia Quick Start