Kia has activated its U.S. manufacturing facility, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), to assemble personal protective equipment. The plant in West Point, Georgia will assemble shields to distribute to front-line workers in the battle against COVID-19 using components produced at Kia facilities in Georgia, Alabama, New York, and California.
The company has a monthly capacity to produce 200,000 units.
“Giving back in meaningful ways is a key component of Kia Motors’ ‘Give It Everything’ strategy in the U.S. Our Accelerate the Good program identifies areas where Kia can make the biggest impact and we are proud to lend our manufacturing capabilities and talents to produce face shields that will protect America’s courageous healthcare workers,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors North America. “Kia is driven by an unstoppable spirit to take on and overcome challenges, and the world-class team members at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia have come together in support of those who are giving it everything on the frontlines of the pandemic.”
The face shields are being assembled by paid volunteers from KMMG and materials are being sourced from vendors including 3-Dimensional Services Group, a Michigan-based rapid response manufacturer supporting prototype and low volume production applications.
Kia joins other coronavirus reaction initiatives by Ford, FCA, and GM. Honda has pledged $1 million to food banks and meal programs. Hyundai has spent $4 million to support drive-thru testing centers. Mazda is offering free car care services for health care workers and Subaru is providing 50 million meals via Feeding America.
