Four years ago, Hyundai Motor Group and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced an $8 billion deal in which the Korean car company and some of its suppliers would receive state subsidies to build a manufacturing plant in Coastal Georgia and create approximately 14,500 jobs.
Now, about two years into hiring timelines, the plant’s major manufacturer is making significant progress with the pace of promised job creation, while some smaller suppliers in Coastal Georgia are lagging, even as taxpayer-funded grants and incentives flow, according to an analysis by The Current GA.
The Current reviewed progress reports and agreements that detailed grant terms and hiring promises at nine supplier company sites in Bulloch, Effingham, Chatham, Bryan and Liberty counties, plus the companies located at the Bryan County Megasite, where the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is housed.
HYUNDAI AND WHERE HIRES ARE PROMISED
Hyundai plus nine key suppliers have received state and local subsidies in exchange for promising to hire people at new plants in Chatham, Effingham, Bulloch, Bryan and Liberty Counties. The suppliers in these counties have promised about 5,200 jobs in exchange for incentives including about $22 million in cash.The metaplant itself plus onsite affiliates plan to hire about 8,500 people; its public incentives reach about $2.1 billion.
- Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, LLC and its seven on-site affiliates confirmed 4,365 out 8,500 promised hires as of June 2026, with 2,112 employees at the main metaplant. The metaplant has until 2031 to fulfill its target. HMGMA plans to make additional hires soon to add a second production shift, with eventual plans to have three shifts.
- Daechang Seat Savannah Corp., USA confirmed 41 out of 549 promised hires as of June 2026. DSC recently made additional hires soon to add a second production shift and plans to continue in anticipation of new vehicle models in 2027. The company has until 2029 to fulfill its target. DSC produces automotive seat frames.
- Seohan Auto Georgia confirmed 56 out of 188 promised hires as of August 2026. The company has until 2029 to fulfill its target and plans to make additional hires soon to add a second production shift. Hires are generally required to hold an engineering degree. Seohan produces shafts, axels and brake systems.
- Hanon Systems confirmed 71 out of 160 promised hires. The company has until 2031 to fulfill its target, and a representative said the company is “committed to fulfilling the requirements of our agreement and is working closely with regional stakeholders. Hanon produces thermal solutions.
- Ecoplastic Corporation confirmed 268 out of 456 promised hires as of August 2026. The company has until 2032 to fulfill its target and largely hires locally. The company largely hires locally, with some international hires in demand to cater to bilingual needs of workers and clients. In establishing new hiring strategies, a representative said the company is navigating both the in-state labor market and changing immigration law. Ecoplastic produces exterior and interior plastic.
- Joon Georgia, a subsidiary of Ajin USA, has completed approximately 430 out of 630 promised hires. The company has until 2030 to fulfill its target and said “production requirements have necessitated hiring beyond the required annual headcount levels.” PHA produces body parts and electronics.
- PHA has completed 34 out of 403 promised hires. The company has until 2029 to fulfill its target. PHA produces doors, tailgates and hood latches. The Current reached out to a representative three times to confirm this data, but the company did not respond prior to publication.
- Hyundai Mobis of the Richmond Hill facility has completed 416 out of 1,578 promised hires. The company has until 2031 to fulfill its target and produce power electric systems. The Current reached out to a representative, who was unable to confirm this data.
- Seoyon E-HWA has completed 88 out of 500 promised hires. The company has until 2029 to fulfill its target. Seoyon is located in Chatham County and produces door trims, headlining seats, bumpers, interior and exterior components and C/PAD. The Current reached out to a representative three times to confirm this data, but the company did not respond prior to publication.
- Sewon America has completed 243 out of 740 promised hires. The company has until 2029 to fulfill its target, and has since expanded to include 100 additional jobs. Sewon produces stamped body components. A representative for Sewon declined to confirm this data and hiring plans due to the “competitive” recruiting market.
Twelve other publicly named Georgia-based suppliers are either located in other parts of the state, did not receive a state subsidy or are too early in the development process to have a progress report…