Hyundia, Kia Imports Bringing 270 Jobs to Philadelphia

Hyundai and Kia have cut a deal with Pennsylvania state officials to bring an auto-finishing facility to Philadelphia’s waterfront that will create at least 270 full-time jobs.

Gov. Ed Rendell is slated to officially announce the deal Wednesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Hyundai and Kia will start with up to 150,000 vehicles being imported through the Port of Philadelphia. They are scheduled to begin operating in June.

The process will include removing the vehicles from ships and then being driven a short distance to a 90-acre site. The cars will then receive finishing touches and be stored before being sent to dealer show rooms.

The president of the local longshoreman’s union said 102 vessels a year are expected to come through the port. “That’s exciting news,” said Boise Butler, president of Longshoremen’s Association Local 1291.

The Inquirer reports Hyundai has expanded its market share in the U.S. to 7.1 percent in 2009, which is up from 3.8 percent in 2007. And, given the company has just two assembly plants in the U.S., the company relies heavily on importing vehicles that end up at dealerships.