Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) announced Monday it will invest $173 million into its Montgomery, AL, engine facility; a move expected to create an additional 214 jobs.

Officials said $163 million in capital investment monies will be used for equipment at the engine plant, while $10 million will be spent on the actually expansion of the building. When completed, it will be 362,155 square feet.

Hyundai representatives reported that the money would be used to boost motor production at the plant. According to a story by The Greenville Advocate, the factory should produce about 300,000 motors a year once expansion is complete, with construction expected to be finished late this fall. Hyundai expects to start production in March 2012.

Ricky McLaney, executive director with Butler County Commission for Economic Development, believes there should be a ripple effect felt in Greenville. "I think it is great anytime that a plant so close to us expands, especially since we have local suppliers that service that plant," he said.

Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon added that as Hyundai continues to grow, "this can only help Tier-I suppliers like Hwashin, Hysco and everyone in Greenville."