Growing Fast! LaGrange, Troup County, Kia and more

In March of 2006 Kia Motors Corporation made an announcement that was great news to Troup County and the state of Georgia.  The Korean automaker announced plans to build a $1.2 billion automotive assembly and manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.  The facility will be the automobile manufacturer's first plant built in the United States.  Production from this newest facility is expected in 2009. 

The anticipation, talk and excitement around town hasn't stopped since that announcement.  Just last month Kia began accepting applications for approximately 2,500 job openings.  Along with the Kia plant comes numerous other vendors that will provide support for this large industry. 

New industries announced in 2007:

• Feb. 2007                      Engineering World will employ 10 (manufacture racks)
• Sept. 2007                    DaeLim will employ 75 (plastic parts)
• Sept. 2007                    Pretty Products will employ 175 (floor mats)
• Oct. 2007                      Gardens of Nectar will employ 10 (water bottling operation)
• Nov. 2007                      Sejong will employ 250 (produce mufflers for KIA)
• Dec. 2007                     Sewon will employ 550 (metal stamping for KIA)

                  Total of 1,070 new manufacturing jobs announced

The local residents are excited about the new businesses and opportunities that Kia is bringing to Troup County.  Sure, there are some concerns that come along with the growth we are about to experience.  Fortunately, our county and city officials are aware of these issues and working diligently to prevent any problems. 

The Troup County population is currently 63,245.  That breaks down to LaGrange, Hogansville and West Point with 32,145.  The unincorporated area is home to 31,091.  These figures represent a 7.6% gain since the 2000 census.  We have over 5,000 new homes approved for construction in LaGrange and Troup County over the next few years.  With all the new jobs and development the growth in our area will rise significantly. 

Where will the people come from?  Based on the calls to our office I would say from all over the United States.  I look forward to the changes, the growth, and the opportunities, just not the traffic!  LaGrange is moving on up, so we might as well look forward to it and embrace the changes.