Metro Atlanta, October 17, 2025
As early voting kicks off across Metro Atlanta, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. Candidates are prioritizing essential issues such as education, transportation, and economic growth to appeal to voters. With many polling locations available, residents are encouraged to vote early to bypass long lines and ensure their voices are heard in this crucial election period. The enthusiasm among voters signals a strong turnout expected throughout the region.
Bryan County, Georgia – Hyundai’s Electric Vehicle Plant Safety Concerns
Hyundai Motor’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery plant in Bryan County, Georgia, has experienced significant safety issues during its construction phase, including three worker fatalities and numerous serious injuries since 2022.
Construction of Hyundai’s electric vehicle and battery plant began in 2022. Since then, the project has seen three workers die and over a dozen suffer serious injuries, with incidents including falls due to a lack of safety harnesses and accidents involving forklifts. Reports indicate that many of the affected workers were inexperienced immigrant laborers, raising concerns about the safety standards at the site, which were described as lax. In response to these tragic events, Hyundai has conducted audits and strengthened safety protocols, enhancing oversight, contractor vetting, and training initiatives. Recent scrutiny was intensified following a large U.S. immigration enforcement operation that resulted in the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers at the site. Critics have suggested that Hyundai did not adequately ensure proper training for its employees, and safety regulators had limited influence on stopping violations. Hyundai’s CEO emphasized that the company now prioritizes worker safety over production goals and profits. As construction continues, the focus remains on improving conditions for workers.
Recent Developments in Georgia’s Construction Industry
Georgia’s construction sector continues to experience significant growth, with substantial investments and job creation across various industries. In a recent year, the state saw 429 new locations and facility expansions, bringing over $20.3 billion in investments and creating 26,900 new jobs. Notably, 83% of these expansions are directed to areas outside the 10-county Atlanta region, contributing more than 18,300 jobs and $12.5 billion in investment. Metro Atlanta remains a key driver of this growth, attracting nearly $7.8 billion in investments.
However, the industry faces challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers. A recent survey found that 91% of construction companies in Georgia are struggling to find workers, which is impacting their ability to complete projects on time. The hardest positions to fill include architects, project managers, concrete workers, electricians, equipment operators, mechanics, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and welders. In response, organizations are offering certification programs to train new workers and address the labor shortage.
Ongoing and Upcoming Construction Projects in Georgia
Several major construction projects are underway or planned in Georgia. The Cube Tower in Batumi, standing at 850 feet (260 meters), is set to be the tallest building in Georgia upon completion in 2027. The New Augusta Arena, with a capacity of 10,500, is under construction in Augusta and is expected to open in 2027. Additionally, the Georgia Hi–Lo Trail, a 211-mile recreational path connecting Athens to Savannah, broke ground on July 27, 2024, and is expected to take around 25 years to complete.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of Georgia’s construction industry, reflecting both its growth and the challenges it faces in ensuring safety and workforce readiness.
What safety issues have been reported at Hyundai’s Georgia plant?
Since construction began in 2022, Hyundai’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery plant in Bryan County, Georgia, has experienced three worker fatalities and numerous serious injuries, including falls due to lack of safety harnesses and incidents involving forklifts. Many of the workers were reportedly inexperienced immigrant laborers, and safety standards at the site were described as lax. Hyundai has audited and strengthened safety protocols, improving oversight, contractor vetting, and training.
How is Georgia’s construction industry performing?
Georgia’s construction sector continues to experience significant growth, with over $20.3 billion in investments and 26,900 new jobs created across various industries in a recent year. However, the industry faces challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers, with 91% of construction companies in Georgia struggling to find workers, impacting their ability to complete projects on time.
What are some major construction projects underway in Georgia?
Several major construction projects are underway or planned in Georgia, including the Cube Tower in Batumi, standing at 850 feet (260 meters), set to be the tallest building in Georgia upon completion in 2027; the New Augusta Arena in Augusta, with a capacity of 10,500, expected to open in 2027; and the Georgia Hi–Lo Trail, a 211-mile recreational path connecting Athens to Savannah, which broke ground on July 27, 2024, and is expected to take around 25 years to complete.
Key Features of Georgia’s Construction Developments
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Plant Issues | Three worker fatalities, numerous serious injuries, safety lapses. |
| Overall Industry Growth | Over $20.3 billion in investments, 26,900 new jobs in one year. |
| Labor Shortage | 91% of companies facing difficulty in filling positions. |
| Major Projects | Cube Tower, New Augusta Arena, Georgia Hi–Lo Trail. |
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Author: Construction FL News
The GEORGIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionganews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Georgia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia and the Home Builders Association of Georgia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and King & Spalding LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
