As many manufacturers continue to complain of worker shortages, Kia Georgia Inc. is reopening its online application process for hourly production positions for the first time since 2011.
The Korean automaker made no mention of labor shortages at the West Point plant in a news release announcing the move, instead framing it as an opportunity to accelerate a growth plan focused on electric mobility.
Announced in January 2020, Kia’s ‘Plan S’ (for “shift”) aims to make 500,000 electric vehicles across 11 models globally by 2025, achieving 6.6 percent market share in the EV sector around the world.
Kia’s Georgia plant makes 340,000 Telluride SUVs, Sorento CUVs and K5 sedans per year; it’s unclear whether future all-electric models like the EV6 will be made in Georgia.
“We are excited to have this opportunity to add to a team that has set new standards for safety, quality and efficiency. This is an amazing time to join the Kia team with the recent launch of Plan S and the initiatives that will follow this dramatic brand shift during the next decade,” said Chris Miller, Kia Georgia’s chief administrative officer, in a news release.
Production team positions start at $16.27 per hour and top out at $25.15. Maintenance and die maintenance positions start at $23 per hour and top out at $29.46 per hour.
Kia has been a strong proponent of workforce development initiatives in Georgia, supporting technical colleges and donating to college and career academies.
See hourly openings at https://www.kiajobsingeorgia.com and find out more about salaried positions, internships, pay rates and benefits here.
