Kia's new auto assembly plant in western Georgia is bringing pockets of prosperity to communities across Alabama and reinvigorating an eastern swath of the state that's suffered heavy textile industry losses.

The Korean automaker officially kicks off production at its West Point, Ga., plant on Monday.

It will create more than 3,600 jobs at new and expanding auto suppliers in Alabama. Hundreds of state residents also are expected to work at the Kia factory itself.

About 900 supplier positions are slated for Chambers County.

This story continues below
Advertisement

Recorded at 18.6 percent in October, the county's unemployment rate is the sixth-highest in the state.

---

Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews