A Liberty County automotive-parts manufacturer is preparing to expand production as it works toward the employment target connected to its publicly supported Midway facility.
Seohan Auto Georgia had confirmed 56 employees toward a 188-job target as of August, according to a newly published review of economic-development agreements and company progress reports.
The company has until 2029 to meet that target and plans additional hiring for a second production shift.
The current headcount does not indicate that Seohan has missed a contractual deadline. It provides a progress snapshot as the plant continues to increase production.
Seohan opened its Tradeport East facility in September 2024. The industrial park is located near Interstate 95 in the Midway area.
The plant manufactures half-shafts, axles and brake systems for automakers, including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in neighboring Bryan County.
When the project was announced in April 2023, state and local officials said Seohan would invest more than $72 million and create at least 180 jobs in Liberty County. Later development documents tracked a target of 188 positions.
The Liberty County Development Authority also approved a $400,000 state EDGE grant for machinery and equipment associated with the project in 2024.
An independent Georgia Trend profile published in June reported that the facility had approximately 60 employees at that time.
Seohan’s human-resources director told the publication that the company expected its workforce eventually to grow beyond the original commitment.
Seohan is one part of a much larger automotive manufacturing network developing around Hyundai’s Ellabell plant.
Hyundai and seven affiliated operations at the Bryan County site had confirmed 4,365 of 8,500 promised positions as of June. Nine major off-site suppliers across Coastal Georgia employed approximately 1,665 workers toward combined commitments of about 5,200 jobs.
Those companies have different hiring deadlines extending from 2029 through 2032.
For Liberty County, Seohan’s progress carries particular importance following the loss of hundreds of jobs when International Paper closed its Riceboro operations in 2025.
The coming second shift will provide the next indication of how quickly the automotive plant can expand its local workforce.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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