The restructuring of Korea-based Daewoo Motor Co. Ltd. initiated by its creditors last week will not affect the construction of its U.S. subsidiary’s parts distribution and training center in Suwanee, according to a spokesman for Daewoo Motor America.
Ben Rainwater, vice president, national parts and service, told GlobalFax in a telephone interview from Daewoo Motor America’s Compton, Calif., office that construction of the new 200,000 square-foot facility has begun and that it should be operational by the end of January.
The facility is to house parts inventory for the company’s Lanos, Nubira and Leganza car lines as well as a training center for its employees throughout the Southeast. Daewoo’s regional headquarters based in Marietta also is scheduled to move into the new facility in January.
Five permanent staff members and additional support staff are expected to be hired for the new facility, Mr. Rainwater said. They will be joined by eight to 10 people from the Marietta office.
South Korean government-controlled banks declared the country’s third-largest automaker bankrupt last week. It is the latest casualty of South Korea’s effort to restructure its debt-ridden big businesses.
Kia Motors Co. Ltd. and Samsung Motors Inc. previously went into receivership and were sold subsequently. Daewoo is expected to be bought by General Motors Corp.
Mr. Rainwater may be reached by calling (310) 884-3332.