LaGRANGE — Seoyon E-Hwa Interior Systems Georgia is the first company to achieve Quality 5 Star certification from Hyundai Kia Motors Corporation within the interior segment of suppliers for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.

The Quality 5 Star recognition ceremony was conducted Friday at the Wiley Road plant location in LaGrange. Local community leaders attending included LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton, Troup County Commission Chairman Patrick Crews, LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce President Page Estes and Development Authority of LaGrange President Scott Malone, as well as KMMG officials and Seoyon E-Hwa’s CEO, Keun Sik Kim.

More than 30 other automotive officials also attended to congratulate Steve Song, Seoyon E-Hwa’s new president, on this achievement.

The ceremony began with Song sharing his vision for Seoyon E-Hwa to be the best automotive specialized interior company. Kim also addressed the Seoyon E-Hwa team and expressed his appreciation to the employees, city of LaGrange, Troup County and KMMG for their parts in the company’s local success.

The Quality 5 Star Award began in 2002 by Hyundai Kia Motors Corporation to recognize the importance of product quality by performing thorough examinations and audits of suppliers. The process to achieve this award is lengthy and challenging, said officials, but those achieving the standard of quality can be trusted to provide products that meet the standards of HKMC. Many suppliers strive to achieve this status, credited with improving overall quality, increasing sales and providing growth, Seoyon E-Hwa officials said.

In 2010, Seoyon E-Hwa Georgia — then Hanil E-Hwa — located in LaGrange with an investment of $37 million. Currently the plant employs 340 team members.

Seoyon E-Hwa supplies automotive interior parts, such as, door trim, tailgate garnish and luggage compartment side trim, for the Kia Sorento, Kia Optima and Hyundai Santa Fe manufactured at KMMG in West Point.