Kia to Introduce Third Shift at Zilina Facility in 1Q12

To meet continuing high demand for the current Kia model range and the anticipated increases in sales triggered by the launch of new models next year, Kia will introduce a third production shift at its European facility in Slovakia and recruit 1,000 new employees. The recruiting process for skilled workers has already begun and will be completed by December, ensuring that three-shift operations can commence at Zilina in the first quarter of 2012. As well as the new jobs created directly by Kia, it is anticipated that several thousand new jobs will become available at component suppliers located across the Slovak Republic.

Representing an investment of more than €1 billion, the ultra-modern Zilina plant, which started operations in late 2006, is designed for maximum flexibility to accommodate new models and respond to fluctuations in overall market trends. The Sportage SUV, Venga MPV and cee’d family – five-door hatchback, wagon and three-door coupe – can be manufactured simultaneously on each of the final assembly lines.