Hyundai is set to make a major investment in its Montgomery plant.

The automaker said $290 million will go toward enhancing its sports utility vehicles, with $190 million for tooling and equipment upgrades to prepare for production of the fifth-generation Santa Fe.

“Today, the legacy of the Santa Fe continues with HMMA (Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama) investing $190 million to prepare our assembly plant for the next generation of this popular SUV,” said HMMA President and CEO Ernie Kim. “An additional $100 million will be invested to support ongoing production of the Tucson SUV and Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle.”

Gov. Kay Ivey praised the company’s decision.

“Hyundai’s nearly 4,000 Alabama employees have been making some of the highest awarded vehicles in America for nearly two decades, and the production of the completely re-designed Santa Fe mid-size SUV is another exciting milestone for the company’s Montgomery manufacturing facility,” she said. “I can’t wait to see the exciting new design on roads in Alabama and across the nation.”

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed called the company “vital.”

“HMMA is a vital economic engine for not only our city but our state,” he said. “From building world-class products to creating jobs and opportunity here in Montgomery, HMMA is a catalyst for the continued growth and development of our region.

“This latest expansion is a milestone in our partnership, and we are grateful for their continued success in Montgomery.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.