Top-tier Kia Supplier To Locate New Facility In Harris County

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Johnson Controls, a top-tier Kia supplier, plans to locate a new facility in Harris County, creating 310 jobs.

“With the addition of 310 jobs from Johnson Controls, Kia suppliers are creating 2,600 jobs in West Georgia alone, not to mention the 2,500 jobs Kia plans to create,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Kia’s investment continues to bring good jobs to Georgia.”

Johnson Controls, based in Milwaukee, plans to build a 130,000-square-foot facility on 20 acres at the Northwest Harris Business Park in Harris County. Johnson Controls will manufacture complete seat systems and door panels for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. The plant is expected to be completed in the first quarter of calendar year 2009.

“Johnson Controls is pleased to support our customer, Kia, as it expands its operations into the United States and the state of Georgia,” said Beda Bolzenius, president of Johnson Controls’Automotive Experience business. “We also want to thank local and state government officials, as well as the Valley Partnership for their important role in helping us to establish a manufacturing plant and bring jobs to the West Point community.”

“We are proud to welcome a strong automotive company like Johnson Controls to Harris County,” said Harry Lange, Harris County Commission Chairman. “I know they will provide terrific opportunities for our citizens, and I look forward to their continued success in our area.”

Mark Lytle and Yoonie Kim, project managers with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company with its location.