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Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America Celebrates Grand Opening, Powering U.S. Economic Growth

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Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, the key pillar of the Group’s $12.6 billion investment in Georgia and the largest economic development project in the state’s history, is now openVehicle assembly and battery plant will produce up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brandsHyundai Motor Group commits to an additional $21 billion investment from 2025 to 2028 to drive U.S. manufacturing growthSince entering the U.S., Hyundai Motor Group has invested $20.5 billion in the U.S., creating directly and indirectly more than 570,000 American jobs

ELLABELL, Ga., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) today hosted its Grand Opening celebration, as part of Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to and investment in the U.S. The ceremony marks the completion of the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history, just two and a half years after breaking ground.

“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia,” said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”

The event was attended by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung, Governor Brian P. Kemp, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang, Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz, Kia Corporation President and CEO Ho Sung Song, company officials, state and local leaders, HMGMA Meta Pro employees, and other distinguished guests.

“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, made possible by our commitment to working with job creators to build fruitful partnerships for decades. Collaborations between HMGMA and Georgia’s universities and technical colleges, including Georgia Quick Start’s on-site training facility, are preparing Georgians for high-quality jobs of today and tomorrow, while our award-winning infrastructure, such as our ports connects companies to markets around the nation and globe,” said Governor Kemp during the event, highlighting the positive impact of the plant on the state’s economy as well as its role in advancing innovative manufacturing and cultivating a skilled labor pool in Georgia.

HMG entered into a landmark agreement with the State of Georgia in May 2022 to establish a cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicle production and battery manufacturing facility in Ellabell, Georgia, located 20 miles outside of historic Savannah. By June 2022, HMGMA was officially formed, and within four months, the company broke ground on the project, setting an unprecedented pace for development.

On October 3, 2024, less than two years after breaking ground, the first vehicle – a Hyundai IONIQ 5 – rolled off the assembly line, marking a new era for the Group’s U.S. operations. Hyundai’s IONIQ 9 three-row electric SUV is also now in production at HMGMA and will be joined in 2026 by the first Kia model to be built at the facility.

In addition to manufacturing electric vehicles for Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, the plant is also equipped to produce hybrid vehicles. HMGMA has the capacity to initially produce 300,000 vehicles annually.

Investment and Economic Impact
The Group’s investment in Georgia related to HMGMA and joint battery ventures with LG Energy Solution and SK On is $12.6 billion. This represents the largest single investment in the state’s history and includes a total of 8,500 jobs at HMGMA by 2031. The Group’s total investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, and $4.6 billion in individual earnings every year, according to the Center for Automotive Research.

As of the end of 2024, more than $2.5 billion in capital investment and approximately 6,900 jobs have been announced by HMGMA suppliers in 12 counties across the state. This more than doubles the additional $1 billion investment by suppliers that was originally anticipated.

HMGMA exemplifies the Group’s dedication to fostering economic growth, driving technological advancements, and delivering sustainable solutions to the U.S. market. To date, the Group has invested more than $20.5 billion in the U.S. in the service of these goals, creating or supporting over 570,000 jobs nationwide. 

Earlier this week, the Group announced a significant investment of $21 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028; $9 billion will be invested to establish an annual production capacity in the U.S. of 1.2 million vehicles. The Group plans to expand HMGMA’s annual production capacity to a total of 500,000 units, an increase of 200,000 units from the original plan. In addition, the Group’s existing U.S. production sites – Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Kia Autoland Georgia – will also see improvements in production facilities.

A total of $6 billion will be allocated to enhance the Group’s parts and logistics business, as well as establishing an Electric Arc Furnace-based integrated steel mill in the U.S. through its affiliate, Hyundai Steel, with an annual steel production capacity of 2.7 million tons. The mill will supply high-quality automotive steel plates to HMGMA when commercial steel production begins in 2029.

The Group will invest an additional $6 billion to drive innovation and expand strategic partnerships with U.S. companies in areas including autonomous driving, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced air mobility (AAM).

Through this $21 billion commitment to drive U.S. manufacturing growth, the Group anticipates it will create 14,000 new direct full-time jobs in the U.S. by 2028. The overall economic impact is expected to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across related industries. 

Technology and Design
HMGMA’s architecture blends advanced technology with design elements that reflect Hyundai’s brand identity and the natural beauty of the Savannah area.

HMGMA has integrated a variety of proof-of-concept manufacturing technologies and systems from Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), scaling these to accommodate the larger production volume at the Georgia facility.

For example, all HMGMA’s processes – order collection, procurement, logistics and production – are optimized using AI and real-time data, and cutting-edge robotics and vision systems ensure high-quality vehicle production. These innovative manufacturing systems help create a human-centered work environment with robots assisting human workers, improving efficiency.

HMGMA expands its mixed-model production capability and integrates various robot processes to enhance automation, including automated guided vehicles for an optimized logistics system, Boston Dynamic’s Spot for exterior quality inspection in the weld shop, and parking robots in the assembly shop. Automation in HMGMA’s assembly shop is nearly double that of the Group’s existing facilities.

“It’s a historic moment that our state-of-the-art smart plant is officially open,” said Oscar Kwon, CEO of HMGMA. “It is as important for us to create a comfortable and welcoming work environment for our Metaplant employees, also known as Meta Pros, as it is for us to create an energy-efficient and technologically advanced plant. It is essential for our Meta Pros to be happy, comfortable and safe in their work environment for long-lasting careers at HMGMA.”  

All the work zones, from office to production areas, have been designed to encourage communication and build team collaboration. The designs feature open layouts with ample daylight and indoor landscaping. Production areas, such as those in the assembly building, have team centers with skylights delivering natural light at the center of the building and can be used for employee breaks and meetings. 

The 3,050-foot-long front of the HMGMA building’s exterior is lit in two parallel lines, inspired by a stream, and outlines an area where interstate travelers can view the vehicles as they travel by conveyer from paint to general assembly.  

A solar parking lot located at the front of the site will generate 5.2 megawatts of energy, accounting for roughly five percent of the Metaplant’s total power consumption. The solar panels are installed above 1,878 parking spaces, providing shade for vehicles while simultaneously producing electricity.

A 41-acre ecological park that includes trails, running tracks, sports fields, and picnic areas will feature prominently in front of the Metaplant – all for Meta Pros to enjoy before or after work. Construction of the park is ongoing.

Hydrogen Ecosystem
HMGMA has deployed Hyundai Motor XCIENT heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks for clean logistics operations. A total of 21 XCIENT trucks are currently in operation, representing more than a third of the Glovis America truck fleet at HMGMA, which transport vehicle parts from suppliers across the region to the 2,906-acre Megasite where HMGMA is located on a daily basis.

This industry-leading initiative represents a significant step forward in HMGMA’s leadership efforts to both reduce its carbon footprint and actively promote sustainable practices in daily logistics operations.

Community Engagement
Working under Hyundai Motor Group’s global vision of shaping a better future for humanity through smart mobility solutions and sustainable innovation, Hyundai Motor has supported several non-profit organizations that have had a positive impact on the community, especially in the areas of education, safety and sustainability. Since 2022, Hyundai and Genesis, along with various social responsibility initiatives and nonprofit organizations, have donated nearly $4.5 million to local organizations in Georgia.

Kia’s Autoland Georgia factory in West Point has provided over $22 million in support of Georgia communities since 2009, including more than $6 million to support educational programs such as the THINC College & Career Academy, and SAE’s “A World in Motion.”

About HMGMA 
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated electrified vehicle mass-production plant located in Bryan County, GA. The new plant boasts a highly connected, automated, and flexible manufacturing system, which organically connects all elements of the EV and hybrid ecosystem to realize customer value. The Georgia facility is an intelligent manufacturing plant. All processes of production—order collection, procurement, logistics and production—are optimized utilizing AI and data. The innovative manufacturing system also helps create a human-centered work environment with robots assisting human workers.

About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all. More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Media Center.

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

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Asian American Engineer of the Year Award and Conference Announces First Phase of 2025-2026 Awardees

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (AAEOY) Executive Committee announces the AAEOY 2025-2026 first phase awardees as follows:

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel Corporation

Distinguished Leadership in Science and Technology Award

Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University

Executive of the Year Award

Dr. Xiaodong Che, Chief Technology Officer, Western DigitalDr. Sam Heidari, CEO, LumotiveDr. Jungwon Lee, Corporate Executive Vice President, Samsung ElectronicsDr. Liu Ren, Vice President & Chief Scientist, Bosch ResearchMr. Brandon Wang, Vice President, Synopsys

Engineer of the Year Award

Ms. Vivian Ye, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T

Most Promising Engineer of the Year Award

Mr. Max Fang, Director of Architecture, AmbarellaMr. Johnny Ho, CSO & Co-founder, Perplexity AI

The AAEOY Award has been presented annually since 2002 as a cornerstone of the National Engineers Week program, honoring distinguished Asian American professionals across academia, public service, and industry. Since its inception, the AAEOY has recognized over 300 honorees — including nine Nobel Laureates, pioneering scholars, prominent corporate executives, and an astronaut — serving as a beacon of inspiration for the global STEM community. After a series of impactful ceremonies nationwide, the 2025-2026 AAEOY Award and Conference returns to the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 18-19, 2026.

For more information regarding the AAEOY program, awardees, and event registration, please visit www.aaeoy.org.

The Chinese Institute of Engineers in USA (CIE-USA), founded in 1917, is a nonprofit professional organization that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); supports professional advancement and leadership development; and recognizes the achievements of Asian American professionals through flagship programs such as the Asian American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) Awards. One of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese American engineering associations in the United States, CIE-USA has seven regional chapters nationwide and hosts events throughout the year.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-american-engineer-of-the-year-award-and-conference-announces-first-phase-of-2025-2026-awardees-302760569.html

SOURCE AAEOY

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Larry Kellerman, Fermi’s Chief Power Officer and Architect of Its 17 GW Energy Infrastructure, Accepts Board Nomination

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DALLAS, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and largest shareholder of Fermi America (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI), today announced that he has nominated Larry Kellerman to join the Fermi Board of Directors. Kellerman, who serves as Chief Power Officer at Fermi America, is the architect of the Company’s 17-gigawatt powered data center campus in Amarillo, Texas — the largest private energy grid in America.

Kellerman is co-founder and Managing Partner of Twenty First Century Utilities and brings more than four decades of power industry and finance expertise to the role. His career spans senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, El Paso Corporation, and I Squared Capital. Kellerman said he was honored by the nomination and would be pleased to serve if approved by the Board.

“I appreciate everything that Toby has manifested in Fermi and know that no other human could have created the enterprise and its many thoughtfully interconnected elements as quickly, as effectively, and in as value-accretive a manner as Toby’s leadership has been able to deliver.”
— Larry Kellerman, Chief Power Officer and Board Nominee, Fermi America

For Neugebauer, the choice was crystal clear. Kellerman, who has worked alongside Neugebauer since the earliest days of Project Matador knows Fermi’s power story better than anyone.

“When I came up with the idea of Project Matador, I knew that Larry Kellerman was the one person I needed to convert a really great idea into a really great reality. His knowledge of power and the future of powering data centers is unmatched. Larry is uniquely qualified to steward Fermi as a Board member, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to serve.”
— Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder, Fermi America

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SOURCE Toby Neugebauer

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EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP ANNOUNCES NON-BROKERED PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF UNITS TO RAISE UP TO $3.5 MILLION

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 1, 2026 /CNW/ – East Side Games Group (TSX: EAGR) (OTC: EAGRF) (the “Company”), Canada’s leading free-to-play mobile game group, announces a non-brokered private placement of 31,818,182  units (a “Unit”) at $0.11 per Unit (the “Unit Price”), for total gross proceeds of up to $3.5 million. 

Each Unit will be comprised of one common share and one full whole warrant (a “Warrant”).  Each whole Warrant will be exercisable at $0.14 per share (the “Exercise Price”) for a period of three years from issuance. The Warrants will be subject to standard anti-dilution adjustments.

The private placement will be offered in reliance on prospectus exemptions, and any securities sold will be subject to a four month statutory hold period.  The private placement is not anticipated to have any material impact on the control of the Company, nor is it anticipated that any new control persons would be created as a result of the private placement.

It is anticipated that Derek Lew, a director of the Company, will participate in the private placement for an amount of $1.0 million for 9,090,909 Units. As at the date of this news release, Mr. Lew holds 1,667,244 common shares of the Company (2.17%). If the private placement is completed as anticipated, Mr. Lew will hold 10,758,153 common shares (representing 9.89% of the common shares anticipated to be outstanding upon completion of the private placement on a partially diluted basis), 9,090,909 Warrants and 250,000 incentive stock options. Upon exercise of his Warrants, Mr. Lew would own 19,849,062 common shares representing 16.84% of the then issued and outstanding common shares assuming no other share issuances.

The TSX Company Manual requires shareholder approval be obtained  for private placements if the maximum number of common shares issuable under the private placement represents an amount that is more than 25% of the total outstanding common shares as at the date of the press release (pursuant to Section 607(g)). Disinterested shareholder approval must be obtained (excluding those shareholders participating in this private placement and their associates and affiliates) if the number of common shares issued and issuable to insiders under a private placement exceeds 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares as of the date hereof (pursuant to Section 607(g)(ii)).

As: (a) the private placement is for up to 31,818,182 Units (being equivalent to 41.35% of the Company’s outstanding shares as at the date of this press release), (b) Mr. Lew’s subscription for 9,090,909 Units represents an amount that is equivalent to 11.81% of the Company’s outstanding shares as at the date of this press release, and (c) the Warrants comprising the Units have an exercise price of $0.14 per share (and the five day VWAP is $0.144 per share), the Company has obtained written consent from Jason Bailey, the Company’s CEO and a director, in support of the private placement in accordance with Section 604(d) of the TSX Company Manual.  Mr. Bailey holds more than 50% of the Company’s outstanding shares as at the date of this press release.

The net proceeds from the private placement will be used to repay indebtedness owing to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and for operating expenses and general working capital. Mr. Bailey commented, “With this funding in place, we are on solid footing to continue our disciplined approach to completing the business’s turnaround. With our core portfolio of well performing titles, we have a solid foundation to rebuild upon. We feel we have a strong runway, pipeline and team to execute toward a positive 2026,” [and] “I’d like to thank our existing shareholders for their support and guidance through a difficult 2025 and look forward to achieving the results that will allow this Company, our capital markets strategy and employees to reach its potential.”

The Company’s board of directors considers the private placement to be in the best interests of its shareholders, after having taken into account other alternative forms of financing.  In the course of its review, the Company considered other replacement debt financing, the Company’s ongoing cashflow from operations, as well as ongoing operating expenses, one-off necessary expenditures and the Company’s debt load, within the larger context of the analysis detailed in its press release dated March 31, 2026 as to the re-orienting of the Company’s overall business strategy. 

The Company anticipates that the private placement will close on or before May 8, 2026, subject to acceptance by the TSX.

The Company reserves the right to pay finder’s fees in the form of common shares (in lieu of cash fees) and broker warrants to arm’s length finders in connection with the private placement to arm’s length parties, in accordance with TSX policies. No finder’s fee will be paid to any non-arm’s length parties, nor with respect to subscriptions from non-arm’s length parties.  A maximum number of 1,363,636 common shares (to be issued at $0.11 per share for a total value of $150,000) and a maximum number of 1,254,545 broker warrants will be issuable, assuming the private placement is fully subscribed.  Each broker warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share at $0.14 per common share (the “Broker Warrant Exercise Price”) for a period of three years form issuance.  

The maximum number of securities issuable under the private placement is 66,254,545 common shares, comprising 31,818,182 common shares comprising the Units, 31,818,182 common shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, 1,363,636 common shares to be issued as finder’s fees, and 1,254,545 common shares issuable upon exercise of the broker warrants, which represents an amount equivalent to 86.10% of the total outstanding common shares as at the date of this press release on a non-diluted basis, without taking into effect the private placement itself, or approximately 46.27% of the Company’s total issued and outstanding common shares following completion of the private placement (being 143,200,825 shares anticipated to be outstanding on a partially diluted basis, assuming the private placement is fully subscribed, full issuance of the finder’s fee shares and full exercise of the Warrants and broker warrants). The Unit Price represents a 22% discount to the Company’s five-day volume-weighted trading price of its common shares on the TSX as at the time of submitting the Company’s application to TSX (the “Market Price”). Market Price and the Exercise Price and the Broker Warrant Exercise Price represent a 2.47% discount to the Market Price.

The total number of common shares expected to be issued to insider (Mr. Lew) under the private placement is 18,181,818 (consisting of 9,090,909 common shares and 9,090,909 common shares issuable upon full exercise of Warrants), representing 23.63% of the total outstanding common shares as at the date of this press release on a non-diluted basis, without taking into effect the private placement itself, or 12.70% of the Company’s total issued and outstanding common shares following completion of the private placement (being 143,200,825 shares anticipated to be outstanding on a partially diluted basis, assuming the private placement is fully subscribed, full issuance of the finder’s fee shares and full exercise of the Warrants and the broker warrants).

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States.  The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United states or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

ABOUT EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP

ESGG is a leader in free-to-play mobile gaming, thrilling players with unforgettable experiences that spark lifelong fandom. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are driven by creativity, flawless execution, and a laser-focused strategy. We develop and publish both original and licensed IP titles, license our cutting-edge GameKit(s) platforms, and strategically acquire studios or games to expand our family.

Headquartered in Vancouver with around 100 talent-dense team members, we operate over a dozen titles under East Side Games (“ESG”) and LDRLY (Technologies) Inc. (“LDRLY”). Together, we’re crafting, launching, and publishing mobile games across our own studios and an extended Game Kit partner network-reaching players on iOS and Android worldwide.

We power our success through in-app purchases (“IAP”) — offering exclusive, game-enhancing virtual items — and in-game advertising. To keep growing, we focus on captivating audiences, keeping them engaged, and unlocking exciting new ways to monetize. We’ll drive this momentum by launching bold new titles, enriching our current lineup, innovating discovery, expanding into fresh markets, and exploring new distribution platforms.

Additional information about the Company continues to be available under its legal name, East Side Games Group Inc., at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed private placement.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, without limitation, risks relating to the Company’s ability to complete the proposed private placement as described, and relating to general economic, market and industry conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE East Side Games Group Inc.

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