To be completely frank, I was excited to come to Georgia to see the shiny new Kia plant that is manufacturing the 2011 Sorento-- Georgia itself was incidental. The tour of KMMG was awesome-- yellow robotic arms working in a poetic rhythm with errant sparks flying into the cluster of automotive journalists who gazed on with childlike wonder (well at least this journalist felt like a 7 year old on a class field-trip!). It was truly a sight to behold. But there was something else going on in that factory, and honestly, I know I will not and cannot do it justice with my words.
Watching the factory workers (Kia calls them 'Team Members') in general assembly was an absolute trip. Many of us see factory work in a certain light-- perhaps not the premiere option in the career scape-- these people would surely transform that conception. West Point, Georgia is very close to the Alabaman state line. It has seen unbelievable hardship as of late. Unemployment rates are sky-high. Our friendly factory tour guide, a Southern red-headed fellow with an infectious smile by the name of Patrick, told us that the area was formerly sustained by the textile industry-- ALL of those factories have closed down, with many companies choosing to relocate overseas in countries like Pakistan due to lower operating costs. And then Kia came.
Kia has been a beacon of hope for this community. Driving through downtown you can see signs that people put in their lawns that proudly proclaim: “Thank You Jesus, for bringing Kia to our town!” Talk to the mayor, ask the residents of West Point, chat with small business owners-- the mention of the word Kia makes them all beam. And you will never find another group of people quite like this. They must be some of the friendliest people on earth! And though in a financial sense they are in a lower bracket, they are just so happy for what they have. Their attitude makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside-- these people, like the people of Detroit-- will not be knocked down. Southern Hospitality is no myth-- these people make you feel like family! They have totally embraced Kia and are so proud of the 2011 Sorento (it is a great product to boot!) It is truly heartwarming to see. I am not currently in the market for a crossover, but I would buy a Sorento sheerly to support these people, that is how much they have touched me. Thank you Kia! And moreover, Thank You Georgia!
Watching the factory workers (Kia calls them 'Team Members') in general assembly was an absolute trip. Many of us see factory work in a certain light-- perhaps not the premiere option in the career scape-- these people would surely transform that conception. West Point, Georgia is very close to the Alabaman state line. It has seen unbelievable hardship as of late. Unemployment rates are sky-high. Our friendly factory tour guide, a Southern red-headed fellow with an infectious smile by the name of Patrick, told us that the area was formerly sustained by the textile industry-- ALL of those factories have closed down, with many companies choosing to relocate overseas in countries like Pakistan due to lower operating costs. And then Kia came.
Kia has been a beacon of hope for this community. Driving through downtown you can see signs that people put in their lawns that proudly proclaim: “Thank You Jesus, for bringing Kia to our town!” Talk to the mayor, ask the residents of West Point, chat with small business owners-- the mention of the word Kia makes them all beam. And you will never find another group of people quite like this. They must be some of the friendliest people on earth! And though in a financial sense they are in a lower bracket, they are just so happy for what they have. Their attitude makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside-- these people, like the people of Detroit-- will not be knocked down. Southern Hospitality is no myth-- these people make you feel like family! They have totally embraced Kia and are so proud of the 2011 Sorento (it is a great product to boot!) It is truly heartwarming to see. I am not currently in the market for a crossover, but I would buy a Sorento sheerly to support these people, that is how much they have touched me. Thank you Kia! And moreover, Thank You Georgia!