Mobis, a leading global auto supplier, plans to invest $205 million to create an EV battery module plant in Montgomery. The project, announced Thursday by Gov. Kay Ivey, will lead to the employment of at least 400 people.
Once at full production, the 450,000-square-foot facility will supply more than 200,000 EV batteries annually to the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) factory in Montgomery and the Kia Georgia plant.
In announcing the project, Ivey said the state’s automotive industry was quickly adapting to the era of EV manufacturing.
“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,” said Ivey. “We’re excited about the company’s new investment and what it represents for the next chapter of automaking in Alabama.”
Ivey was joined by company leadership and local officials for the formal announcement in the Old House Chamber of the Alabama State Capitol.
H.S. Oh, vice president of Hyundai Mobis’ electric powertrain business, said the Alabama EV battery assembly facility will be vital to the company’s plans for global production expansion.
“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,” said Oh. “We believe this new facility in Montgomery will be an important step in that process, and we are excited for the project to be under way.”
Since 2002, Hyundai Mobis has operated an 83-acre manufacturing facility in Montgomery, which is the largest Tier 1 supplier to HMAA and Kia Georgia.
The investment is a sign that Alabama will play a “major” role in the EV industry, according to Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield
“Hyundai Mobis’ investment project in Montgomery reflects an acceleration in the development of the EV supply chain in Alabama’s auto industry,” said Canfield. “We’re going to be a major production player in the EV market, and that’s going to trigger more growth within the sector.”
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin as early as December, according to company officials, with EV battery assembly production beginning in 2024.
In April, Hyundai announced plans to begin EV production at its Montgomery manufacturing plant. The plans include a $300 million investment that will create 200 jobs.
SEE: Hyundai to invest $300M, create 200 jobs at Montgomery manufacturing center
Hyundai’s Alabama workforce will produce the all-electric Genesis GV70 luxury SUV and a hybrid electric version of the Santa Fe SUV.
Local officials on hand for the announcement praised Hyundai Mobis’ planned investment in Alabama’s capital city.
“Montgomery and Hyundai Mobis have a powerful partnership,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “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.”
Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton hailed the collaborative effort that enabled the project to come to fruition.
“Our commitment to our partnership with Hyundai Mobis continues to deepen, and we are so honored by this significant investment,” said Singleton. “Together, we are charting the course for success and opportunity in the River Region.”
Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cedric Campbell said, “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.”
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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