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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that KB Autosys, a Korean brake pad supplier, will create 180 jobs by investing $38 million in an advanced manufacturing facility in Meriwether County.

“This announcement is further proof of the success automotive companies find here in Georgia, especially as product demand has grown. KB Autosys’ decision to open their first U.S. manufacturing facility in the Peach State is a testament to the strength of the relationship our state has developed with our Korean partners,” Kemp said in a press release. “I thank KB Autosys for their investment, and most importantly, for creating jobs and opportunities for hardworking Georgians in Meriwether County.”

The 108,000-square-foot facility will be located at 6656 Lone Oak Road, less than two miles east of exit 28 on 1-85 and just an eight-minute drive from downtown Hogansville.

“We are excited and proud to have the jobs and investment in our county,” said Rosla Plant, chairman of the Meriwether County Industrial Development Authority, in the release. “We stand ready to assist the company as they construct their building and begin the hiring process. KB picked a perfect location with I-85 so conveniently close to their facility.”

KB Autosys will employ administrative employees, quality and logistics specialists and machine operators.

People interested in applying can visit www.kbautosys.com.

The company, a global supplier of brake pads and linings, is seeking to meet product demand from customers in the region, including GM, Hyundai and Kia Motors per the release.

“We are very excited to be locating our first U.S. manufacturing operation in Meriwether County. In our search for a U.S. location, we visited several communities across the Southeast and met many good people. We learned a lot about each community and especially appreciated the southern hospitality that welcomed us,” said Richard A. Kaatz, vice president of KB Autosys America, in the governor’s press release.

“In the end, we believe Meriwether County is the best fit for KB Autosys, and we would like to thank the county officials and the State of Georgia for their extraordinary support. We hope to be a good and upstanding member of the business community in Meriwether County.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce division was represented by Director of Korean Investment Yoonie Kim who partnered with the Meriwether Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome KB Autosys to our growing roster of advanced manufacturing and international companies in Georgia, and I thank our partners in Meriwether County for their support on this project,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson, in the release.

“Home to the No. 1 workforce training program in the nation and more than 200 automotive-related facilities, I’m confident KB Autosys will find continued success in Georgia.”