Today is a day of firsts for Hyundai, the South Korean automaker whose status in the world has been steadily increasing. Monday marked the official opening of a $1.3 billion car plant in the Czech Republic, marking Hyundai’s first production facility in Europe.
The plant is expected to create 3,400 jobs for people near the eastern town of Nosovice. The output of the factory is expected to be around 300,000 cars a year by 2011, with the majority of the output headed straight for European markets. This will allow Hyundai to keep a closer eye on the region and will help grow the operation in Europe with faster supply routes to meet demand and better production geared specifically for the demands of the area.
In other words, it’s a big win for Hyundai.
Trial production had begun at the plant a week ago to ensure that things would work out smoothly. Official opening ceremonies and celebrations were held today, however, as the final arrangements were made to officially open the doors of the plant.
Hyundai aims to expand further into Europe with a plant designated for St. Petersburg in Russia sometime next year.
As a growing company, it is comforting to know that Hyundai still has time for the smaller communities of the world. From the plant in the Czech Republic to the Lansdale Hyundai dealer, this is a car company that knows that its people make all the difference in the world.