Auto parts maker Joon Georgia Inc. announced they will build a new manufacturing facility in Bulloch County, creating more than 600 jobs and investing $317 million into the county.

The company is the first supplier for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Bryan County. The facility will manufacture the frame for the vehicles at the Hyundai EV plant in Black Creek. Joon Georgia Inc. is part of Ajin USA, who is already a supplier for several Hyundai Motor Group facilities.

"Less than two weeks after the groundbreaking of Hyundai Motor Group’s innovative facility, we’re already seeing the regional impact it will have," said Gov. Brian Kemp. "Joon Georgia will be the first of many companies drawn to the peach state to support the Metaplant, creating jobs and opportunity for generations of hardworking Georgians. We're thankful they have chosen to add their name to this ongoing success story."

Hyundai is hiring: Georgia Department of Labor posts new positions available for EV plant

Hyundai going full speed on EV plant construction. When will workforce development accelerate?

Crews have moved 11 million-plus cubic yards of dirt already: Here's where Hyundai site stands

The facility will be located seven miles outside Statesboro in the Bruce Yawn Commerce Park. The unit is currently planned for 866,000 square feet, but could change as it is still in the design phase.

The facility is a big win for the Savannah Joint Development Authority too. Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison said this only the beginning.

“Today’s announcement that Joon Georgia, Inc. will be locating in Bulloch County marks the first of many supplier announcements to come as Hyundai Motor Group moves into the market,” said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison. “The Savannah JDA, which consists of Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham and Effingham counties, is not only excited for Statesboro and Bulloch County but for our entire region.”

What does the supplier plant mean for Bulloch County?

Benjy Thompson, CEO of the Bulloch County Development Authority, described the site as the city’s “industrial jewel” and took years to develop. Joon Georgia Inc. reached out in June and Thompson was confident from the first time they spoke they would reach a deal.

“We knew we needed to put some resources on the property that we have at the interstate,” said Thompson.

What's next for Hyundai?: Investment signals shift in automotive industry, regional economy

“We wanted the property to be as marketable as possible. We spent a significant amount of money making our entire site pad ready. I think it was a combination of good fortune and good decision making. It's very exciting and we are very appreciative. We felt like our site was really good and we kind of knew that it was and because of that, we became popular quickly after the announcement came. They seem sincerely interested in being here. They came across as a great company and seem to be well thought out and everything just seemed to fall in place.”

Thompson expects more suppliers to build facilities in Bulloch County, but said he could not provide further details.

The hiring process is expected to begin mid-2023 with operations starting in 2024. Thompson said their workforce and proximity away from the plant worked in their favor.

“I think we're in a position where our cost of labor is probably a little less than Savannah metro area,” said Thompson.  “We can draw the workforce to our west, whereas to the east of Savannah is the ocean.”

'Making it happen': Site crews, Savannah JDA moving quick to prep ground for Hyundai plant

Ajin USA’s CEO Jung Ho Sea said they are eager to partner with the county and state and are committed to being the “best employer” for the community.

"We are excited to be one of the first Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America automotive suppliers to build an automotive parts manufacturing facility in Bulloch County and for our first plant in the great state of Georgia,” said Sea.

“We want to be the best corporate citizen and give back to the great community of Bulloch County and the city of Statesboro."

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Hyundai supplier Joon Georgia Inc. to build facility in Bulloch County