Economic Info Links
he Industrial development in the Opelika-Auburn area has had a major impact on the economy. One major development affecting the Opelika-Auburn area is the opening of the Kia Motors Corp. plant in West Point Georgia. THe new plant is estimated to supply nearly 5,500 jobs and cost around $1.2 billion to build. The plant in estimated to be finished by 2009. The 2-million-square-foot facility on 3,300 acres ultimately will put out 300,000 cars a year and will have about 2,900 employees. The average employee salary at the plant, located off Interstate 85, will be about $50,000 a year. In addition, five suppliers are expected to open plants near West Point, adding another 2,600 jobs. The opening of the Kia Plant comes at a much needed time with the closure of many of the areas Textile mills. ALong with the Kia Plant, the Hyundai plant located in Mongomery Alabamais also a major source of economic capital for the Opelika-Auburn area. The Hyundai Plant cost $1.1 billion to build and employees 2800 team members. With the addition of these two large companies to the area the economy is sure to continue its growth.