Adding nearly 300 new jobs to the company’s current base of 2,300 employees, the announcement was made by Kenny Lee, company’s CEO, in a ceremony with representatives of local and state government, Tijuana EDC and private sector leaders.

The new plant´s construction will start this month (July 2012) and it is expected to reach its full capacity in January 2014. It will produce 900,000 units of three automotive parts such as Engine Blocks, Engine Cylinder Heads, and Transmission Cases.

Kenny Lee mentioned Tijuana was competing for this project with Monterrey, Mexico and Montgomery, Alabama. However, Hyundai’s positive experience in the City for over 20 years, competitive costs, and the support received from local governments were important factors that played a significant role in the choice of Tijuana over the others.

David Mayagoitia, President of Tijuana EDC, expressed that this new plant will increase the automotive industry base of 51 plants operating in the City that employ over 15,000 people. The new project will be a milestone in Hyundai’s history due to the fact that it represents almost half of the company’s actual investment in Tijuana, “we are deeply honored to be part of this State and this City,” Lee says.

David Mayagoitia stresses that according to Mexican Association of Automotive Industry (AMIA) Mexico exported more than two million units in 2011, 68% of these units were sent to the United States. Mayagoitia also says that in regards to the city’s industry, “We are giving a higher priority to high tech auto parts; this is the first step towards assembly a complete car in Tijuana.”

As the automobile export market continues moving forward, more corporations will find competitive advantages in Tijuana’s operating platform which combines high-skilled workforce, immediate market access, 50 years of manufacturing experience, and a wealth of resources.

About Tijuana EDC
The Tijuana EDC is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping companies establish successful manufacturing operations in Mexico and to take advantage of the business opportunities of vertical integration, introducing qualified Mexican suppliers and facilitating access to new markets. For more information on how to take advantage of these opportunities contact the Tijuana EDC at contact@tijuanaedc.org or visit the EDC website at http://www.tijuanaedc.org