Kia ups production to meet demand
Increased demand has forced Kia to employ an extra 1,000 staff and add another production shift to its Zilina plant in Slovakia.
The third shift will be in place by early 2012 with the employment process set to be wound up before the end of the year.
Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, said the 1,000 new posts will be across all aspects of the manufacturing process: “Strong demand for all our models and especially our new Sportage compact SUV, made here in Europe, means we need to significantly increase production at our Slovakia facility.
“The creation of the third shift at Zilina is the latest step in Kia’s long-term process of building cars locally to best meet local consumers’ needs and tastes.”
The Zilina plant – which opened in 2007 and is worth more than €1bn – is responsible for the Sportage, Venga MPV and cee’d family which can be pieced together simultaneously on each of the factory’s final assembly lines.
A significant landmark was breached in May this year after the plant completed its one millionth engine.
Kia’s forthcoming employment drive follows similar developments at the Korean manufacturer’s Georgia plant which added 3,000 extra bodies to accommodate a rise in demand for its Sorento and Optima models.
The move also corresponds with a 18.7% rise in sales in Europe and significant sales success in the US and China.
See also:
No comments yet
