Touring the KIA Georgia Plant: 90 Minutes of Automotive Awe
Our visit to Liberty Hill Sporting Club and our dear friends Page and Buck Petry, was highlighted by a free tour of the KIA manufacturing plant. The plant is located in the town of West Point, just off I-85 in southwest Georgia. Let me tell you, if you’re even mildly curious about how a car goes from a pile of parts to a sleek, finished ride, this tour is a must.
Just 90 minutes—that’s all it took to blow us away with the behind-the-scenes look at how KIA builds their vehicles right here in the U.S. The plant is massive and spotless, and the whole operation runs like a well-oiled machine. We got to see the entire process—from body assembly to final inspection—and it was honestly fascinating.
One thing that really stood out was the focus on employee satisfaction. Our guide mentioned that KIA Georgia places a big emphasis on a positive work environment, and it shows. From the way employees interacted to the pride they seemed to take in their work, it was clear this isn’t just a job—it’s a team effort. There’s a strong sense of community inside those walls.
We also learned quite a bit about KIA’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy. The shift to EVs is real, and KIA is all in. They had models on display, and the production lines are adapting to include more EVs in their lineup. It’s exciting to see how innovation and sustainability are driving changes in the industry—and how it's all happening right here in Georgia.
KIA EV9’s on display at Georgia plant
And yes, the tour is completely free. No sales pitches, no pressure. Just pure automotive geekery at its finest. But here’s the thing: it’s such a clever marketing move. We left the building talking about how we kind of… want a KIA now. I mean, when you see the craftsmanship up close and the care that goes into each vehicle, it’s hard not to be impressed.
So if you ever find yourself near West Point, GA, carve out an hour and a half and take the tour. It’s informative, fun, and you might just drive away (in your imagination… or maybe not!) with a new appreciation—and maybe a new KIA on your wish list.