Georgia’s ports support auto industry growth with $5B infrastructure plan

Georgia’s growing roster of auto manufacturers is fueling demand for port, rail and logistics infrastructure, Georgia Ports Authority leaders said at the agency’s annual State of the Port of Brunswick event.The state has attracted major global automakers, including Hyundai Motor Group, Kia, Rivian and Audi, while the Port of Brunswick handles finished-vehicle shipments and processing for brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.Hyundai’s 3,000-acre Metaplant near Ellabell is about 30 miles west of the Port of Savannah. The company expects the site to create 8,500 jobs by 2031 and has attracted 22 nearby suppliers. Kia has operated its U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point since 2009.Rivian has started construction on a planned $5 billion manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North that is expected to create 7,500 long-term jobs by 2030. Audi plans to invest $4 billion in its first U.S. plant, near Macon, creating about 4,500 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with p