At full capacity, the factory will employ 8,500 people and produce 500,000 vehicles annually. More than 6,900 jobs will be created at off-site suppliers.

The plant is one of the most technologically advanced factories in the world. Every process—including order collection, procurement, logistics and production—is optimized using artificial intelligence and real-time data. More than 850 robots and 300 AGVs operate at the factory. Boston Dynamic’s four-legged Spot robot inspects welds in the body shop.

All the work zones, from offices to production, are designed to encourage communication and collaboration. The designs feature open layouts with ample daylight and indoor landscaping. Production areas have team centers with skylights delivering natural light. These areas can be used for employee breaks and meetings.

Windows enable travelers on Interstate 16 to view vehicles as they travel by conveyor from paint to general assembly. After assembly, each vehicle is tested on a track that is almost 2 miles long.

Solar panels provide shade for the parking lot and also produce 5 percent of the factory’s electricity needs.

Hyundai is using its own electric trucks, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, for logistics. Twenty-one trucks transport parts to the factory from suppliers across the region. 

This is an excerpt from our June episode of Assembly News Now. Watch the full episode here!

Don't miss an episode!