Kia will add 700 jobs in Georgia to make Optima midsize sedans

By Kate Brumback, Associated Press

ATLANTA — Kia Motors announced plans Thursday to begin manufacturing the Optima midsize sedan at its plant in West Point, Ga., a move expected to add about 700 jobs at the complex.

Production on the 2012 Optima is set to begin in the third quarter this year, Kia said. The plant in West Point currently employs about 2,300 people and the work force is expected to grow to nearly 3,000 by year end, according to the company.

“Kia is experiencing tremendous growth in the U.S., and the increased volume at (the Georgia plant) will create more jobs at the plant as well as nearby and on-site suppliers and is the latest demonstration of our unwavering commitment to the U.S. and local economies,â€