Hyundai's sister company plans Alabama plant

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A sister company to Hyundai Motor Corp. is considering sites in Montgomery and Prattville for a $40 million plant that will employ 400 people, The Birmingham News reported Tuesday.<br> <br> Hyundai Mobis would be the first company to announce it will supply parts to Hyundai&#39;s $1 billion auto assembly plant under construction in Montgomery.<br> <br> The News, quoting unidentified sources, said Gov. Don Siegelman and company officials will make a formal announcement this week. Mike Kanarick, the governor&#39;s press secretary, said the administration has a policy about not commenting on industrial recruitment efforts.<br> <br> Hyundai Mobis is one of Hyundai&#39;s primary suppliers in South Korea, where it produces auto parts for Hyundai and Kia. The company has about 3,600 employees.<br> <br> The company is expected to produce corner, chassis and steering modules, as well as front and rear axle assemblies for the Hyundai plant. The parts will be ready to assemble into the Sonata sedans and Santa Fe sports utility vehicles that will roll off the Montgomery assembly line in March 2005.<br> <br> Hyundai Mobis announced last week in Korea that it would invest $81.3 million in plants in Alabama and Shanghai, China, and has plans to build factories in India and Turkey.<br> <br> The News said the company is looking at an industrial park near the Montgomery Airport as well as a site in Prattville.<br> <br> Recently, officials from Montgomery, Prattville, Selma and Opelika visited South Korea is recruit Hyundai suppliers. In addition, the Prattville Chamber of Commerce bought a Santa Fe and a Sonata to show prospects around.<br> <br>