News Summary
Hyundai Motor Group has declared a $2.7 billion investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Ellabell, Georgia, which is expected to increase production capacity by 200,000 vehicles annually by 2028. The expansion aims to create 3,000 new jobs while the associated battery plant has faced a delay due to an immigration raid. Hyundai intends to produce 10 electrified models with a goal that over 80% of U.S. sold vehicles will be produced domestically by 2030. Concerns arise over the immigration raid’s impact on labor and investor confidence.
Ellabell, GA – Hyundai Motor Group has announced a significant $2.7 billion investment to expand its manufacturing plant in Ellabell, Georgia. This expansion is set to increase production capacity by 200,000 vehicles annually, raising the total output to 500,000 units by 2028. However, the announcement comes on the heels of a September 5 immigration raid which has delayed the startup of an associated battery plant by two to three months.
Hyundai’s CEO revealed that the battery plant is now expected to open in the first half of 2026, extending the timeline for operations. The immigration raid, notable for being the largest single-site enforcement operation by ICE in history, involved the detention of 475 workers, many of whom were South Korean nationals on temporary assignments or subcontracted labor.
While several of the detained individuals overstayed their visas or lacked proper work authorization, Hyundai clarified that none were direct employees of the automaker. Over 300 detainees were returned to South Korea after spending a week in detention in Georgia. Concerns have been raised regarding the rights of these detainees and the impact on family dynamics following the raid, particularly as many reported that they were legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The expansion of the Ellabell facility is expected to create 3,000 new jobs, in addition to the over 8,000 full-time jobs required to fulfill a state contract that granted tax breaks for the project. With this move, Hyundai aims to produce 10 electrified models at the expanded plant, up from the two currently being assembled. Furthermore, Hyundai is projecting that more than 80% of the vehicles sold in the U.S. will be produced domestically by 2030, which would raise domestic content from the current 60%.
This facility, known as the Metaplant, hosts several of Hyundai’s affiliates dedicated to vehicle component development and production. Nearby suppliers have established operations, creating a localized ecosystem that facilitates efficient parts supply. However, the immigration raid has cast a shadow over these developments, with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressing concerns about potential investor hesitancy in the U.S. following these incidents.
The raid stemmed from a months-long investigation into allegations of illegal hiring practices at the manufacturing site, as indicated by Homeland Security Investigations. Worker safety issues have been a significant concern, especially considering that three workers died in accidents at the plant over the previous two years. As the industry navigates through these challenges, there is an emphasis on resolving the current visa and immigration issues to ensure a secured workforce for future operations.
Despite the recent upheaval related to immigration enforcement, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp congratulated Hyundai on their expansion plans, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting ongoing business growth. This expansion is part of a broader trend of increasing South Korean investments in the U.S., bolstered significantly since the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Such investments have notably contributed to economic growth and strengthened partnerships within Georgia.
The delays caused by the immigration raid are anticipated to complicate completion timelines for the new battery plant, creating uncertainty regarding the availability of technicians required for installation and operations. As such, Hyundai’s extensive plans for expansion face both potential growth opportunities and significant operational hurdles in the near future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Hyundai Motor Company
- WTOC
- Google Search: Hyundai Georgia plant expansion
- AP News
- Google Scholar: Hyundai Georgia plant immigration raid
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration in the United States
- New York Times
- Google News: Hyundai Georgia expansion 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
