Governor Perdue Participates in Groundbreaking Ceremony for Major Kia supplier in LaGrange

Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for Sewon America, Inc., a major Kia supplier. Sewon is locating its first U.S. plant at the Callaway South Industrial Park in LaGrange. The company plans to create 700 jobs and invest $170 million in a facility to manufacture automotive components for the Kia plant in West Point over a three year period.

“I am honored to join Sewon as they break ground and officially join the LaGrange community,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Kia suppliers have announced upwards of 2,300 jobs, which is on top of the 2,500 employees planned for the Kia Motors factory in West Point.”

Sewon will produce stamped chassis and body components as well as some decorative trim pieces for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. The company has selected an 86-acre site at the industrial park.

The 420,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to go into production in fall 2009.

The Sewon Group, which is based in Daegu, Korea and is the parent company of Sewon America, Inc. has a more than 20-year history as a Kia supplier in Korea. Governor Perdue met with senior Sewon officials in October during the Kia supplier dinner in Seoul.

Since its founding in 1985, Sewon has pursued a business strategy exemplified by management accountability, client confidence in its products and the growth of its business partners. Sewon specializes in the manufacture of automotive parts and ornaments. The company has achieved superior product development and manufacturing technologies through the Six Sigma revolution and productivity enhancement plans.