KIA has decided to build an automobile plant in West Point, Georgia, bringing an estimated 2,000 jobs to the area. They were asked why they chose Georgia, especially West Point, and they said that one of the reasons was the easy connection to the Interstate as well as the railroad.
This is especially good news as Ford decided to close down two plants in the state.
What sort of facilities does a railroad build for an auto plant? Does the plant itself normally have a switcher or something to move parts around and build trains for main line pickup?
Erik
It cost GA $160,000 per job created in tax benefits to land KIA. It’s right on the AL border, so some of those jobs will wind up going to Alabamans. I’m not so sure it’s such a great deal for GA.
Railroad service to automobile plants involve spurs for loading pigs, receiving parts (boxcars), chemicals Itank cars) and in some cases chasis. because of the great amount of track and number of cars involved there is at least one switcher. If you have the opportunity, you can see the Honda plant between Eastaboga and Taladega Alabama from the Crescent.
P.S. When are you guys going to get a decent hobby shop in Columbus