While automakers shutter plants across the U.S., a new facility in West Point gets set to open.

The new KIA plant near Columbus is set to begin production of the KIA Sorento next month.

The mid-size crossover vehicle will be the first to be built in the United States for the South Korean auto maker.

The Ledger-Enquirer reports 850 KIA dealers from across the country toured the plant last week to see the production process and take a test drive.

The new KIA plant will employ more than 1,200 hourly employees and is expected to produce 60 vehicles per hour. Another 1,200 employees will be hired next year as the company gets ready to start a second production line.

KIA is one of the few automakers whose sales increased even after the cash for clunkers program ended.

Contributors: From staff and wire reports

Tags: Columbus, West Point, South Korea, KIA, GA., Georgia economy, automaker, KIA Sorento