Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that KOPLA, a Korean-based automotive manufacturer, will open its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, creating 150 jobs and investing $15 million into the project by 2018.
“We are proud that Korea’s presence in our state continues to grow,” said Deal. “Our booming automotive industry and key business resources create a perfect location for KOPLA and we have no doubt that this state-of-the-art automotive manufacturer will continue to succeed.”
The 100,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on 20 acres of the Northwest Harris Business Park. Once in operation, the plant will supply engineering plastics resin to leading automobile manufacturers across the U.S. The company plans to utilize Georgia Quick Start, an internationally acclaimed workforce development program that offers customized workforce training, free of charge. The Columbus Chamber of Commerce will assist KOPLA with the hiring process.
“We are very pleased to be locating our first U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga.,” said KOPLA President and CEO Sangyong Han. “It is a perfect location, and the state and community support has been exemplary. We look forward to becoming a part of this thriving industrial community in Georgia.”
The Valley Partnership, the City of West Point Development Authority and the Harris County Development Authority collectively assisted with the project. Yoonie Kim, project manager at Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) International Projects team, along with Hee-jung Shin, project manager at GDEcD office in Seoul, assisted the company on behalf of the state.