West Point, Georgia Embraces Economic Reinvention as 'Kia-ville'

by Tina Kells | July 9, 2009 at 04:16 pm

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West Point, Georgia was on the verge of economic extinction when Korean car maker Kia came to town to save the day. The small town had been hit hard by the recession and was literally saved when Kia decided to open its newest US plant in West Point. $400 million in tax incentives helped seal the deal that will see Kia build a $1.2 billion factory on a 2,200 acre park.

The new West Point, Georgia Kia factory will bring 20,000 jobs to the town, which is more than the current population. The coming of Kia has sparked a flurry of economic growth as support businesses come to town hoping to capitalize on the expected population boom. West Point mayor Drew Ferguson even jokes that people in town now call their home "Kia-Ville."

The boon has already spurred economic growth -- and just plain excitement -- among residents, said Mayor Drew Ferguson.

"We jokingly call it Kia-ville," said Ferguson, a 42-year-old dentist helping to oversee expansion of West Point, population 3,500. The announcement is drawing workers and businesses to the community about 80 miles south of Atlanta.

"The revitalization of the community is touching every aspect," Ferguson said. "We have infrastructure projects, new subdivisions going up, hotel professional services that are all needed to support the massive manufacturing."

The plant, which will make Kia's Sorento sport utility vehicle, has hired 500 workers. By the time the factory opens, Kia hopes to hire 2,000 more. A smattering of Kia supply companies will eventually employ 7,500 additional workers. Watch the town's excitement about the new factory »