Kia's Mexico plant joins the 10 other manufacturing facilities in Korea, China, Slovakia, Russia and the USA where Kia vehicles are assembled. 60% of output from the plant will be exported to North America while 20% will supply the Mexican domestic market, and the remaining 20% will be exported to neighbouring countries in Latin America.
Kia Motors together with its suppliers have hired around 4,000 Mexican employees, and over the longer term Kia's presence in Mexico is expected to generate approximately 14,000 direct jobs and 56,000 indirect jobs.
When designing the plant, architects were inspired by traditional Mexican culture and the main entrance bears striking similarities to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, where the pyramids of the Sun and Moon serve as focal points for its dramatic layout. Meanwhile, basic silver gray and white panels were applied to the roof to reduce heat buildup typical of the hot climate in this region.
The manufacturing complex features sophisticated production equipment such as a US$75 million stamping press that measures 18 meters high and weighs 3,862 tons, making it the largest of any Kia plant in the world.
In line with Kia Motors' commitment to developing green production technologies to minimize its environmental impact in all of the regions in which it manufactures vehicles, the Kia Motors Mexico Plant utilizes an advanced monitoring system that promotes continual improvement in energy saving and environmental conservation.
Furthermore, the plant boasts an integrated water treatment plant which will prevent soil contamination and harmful runoff into the nearby Pesquería River. The plant also uses LED lighting technology to save energy and is expected to introduce various projects to promote the use of alternative energy sources such as solar energy.
Kim added, "Once mass production commences, it will take less than one minute for a vehicle to come off the assembly line, making our facility among the most productive among all Kia plants globally."
"Today more than ever we feel very much a part of this wonderful country and want to convey that pride to all of the citizens of Mexico," he concluded.
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