A big new hiring push is coming about 40 miles up I-185 from Columbus. Hyundai Transys will invest nearly $560 million to expand its powertrain plant in West Point, Ga., and plans to add 320 new jobs, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday, Oct. 8.

The plant already employs about 1,250 people. The expansion will upgrade its two existing plants and add a third, building transmissions for hybrid vehicles.

The numbers

• Investment: nearly $560 million
• New jobs: 320
• Jobs already there: about 1,250
• What it builds: electrified powertrains for hybrid vehicles
• Where: 6801 Kia Parkway, West Point, in Troup County

How far is it from Columbus?

According to Google Maps, the plant is about 38 miles and 48 minutes from the Columbus Government Center by I-185 North. From Phenix City, it's about 39 miles and 46 minutes. That's within commuting range for many Chattahoochee Valley workers, and plenty of local residents already make the drive to the auto plants along Kia Parkway.

Who's hiring, and how to apply

Hyundai Transys says it will hire for production, supervisory and administrative jobs. The state's announcement doesn't give pay or a hiring timeline.

• Company careers page: hyundai-transys.com/en (open "Careers," then "Jobs")
• Current West Point openings also appear on the big job sites under "Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain."

Georgia Quick Start, the state's free job-training program for new and growing employers, worked on the project with the City of West Point and Georgia Power. That usually means pre-hire training classes for new workers. Watch the company's careers page for details.

What they're saying

Kemp called the Hyundai family of brands "an incredible partner to Georgia."

West Point Mayor Steve Tramell said keeping more than 1,200 jobs and adding over 300 more "creates meaningful opportunity for our residents."

Why it matters here

Hyundai Transys has made powertrains in West Point for about two decades. In the announcement, Kemp said the expansion will help Hyundai and Kia keep growing their production in Georgia. The new third plant focuses on hybrid transmissions, so these are jobs tied to where the car business is heading, within driving distance of Columbus.

Looking for work closer to home? See our guide to the best careers in Columbus, Ga.