Kia Motors America President and CEO Byung-mo Ahn was on hand to escort Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on his first official tour of the Korean automaker's West Point factory.

Mr. Ahn called the state "an invaluable partner" in welcoming the factory, which operates as Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc.

He cited the Port of Savannah, where the company imports parts and equipment, and Georgia Quick Start, a state program that has trained Kia's 3,000-plus workers.

Kia recently spent $100 million to expand the $1.1 billion plant, enabling it to make 360,000 cars annually starting this year.

Mr. Deal called Kia a "tremendous success story" and a "glowing example" of the state's commitment to supporting companies that invest in Georgia.

Visit www.kmmgusa.com for more information.

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