In May 2021, the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (JDA), along with the support of Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp, purchased a 2,284 acre economic development site in Bryan County with the goal of attracting a company, which would further the area’s economic development and create potentially thousands of jobs.

The JDA, which was comprised of officials from Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham and Effingham counties, felt the “mega site” location would be an ideal location due to its proximity to Interstates 16 and 95, the Port of Savannah, rail service with the Georgia Central Railroad, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The strategic purchase is the largest in state history. The JDA prepared the site for water, sewer and power and conducted required environmental assessments, which would speed the process for any interested buyers.

Just one year later, in May 2022, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Gov. Kemp announced that Hyundai Motor Group would open its first fully dedicated electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facility at the now-expanded 2,923-acre Bryan County mega site.

Hyundai Motor Group announced its plans of investing $7.59 billion in the state-of-the-art smart factory, while non-affiliated Hyundai Motor Group suppliers would invest another $1 billion. Collectively, it would bring approximately 8,100 new jobs to the Bryan County.