'HPLS is a new symbol of the Korea-US alliance,' officials say at Hyundai Steel groundbreaking in Louisiana

Kim Jung-kwan: 'Not just investment, but mutual partnership'

Commerce undersecretary: Hyundai Steel answering the call to rebuild manufacturing

Kang Kyung-wha: Over 70 years of cooperation now expanding into manufacturing

Officials break ground at the HPLS groundbreaking ceremony held Friday (local time) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. From left: Posco Group Chairman Jang In-hwa, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, US Rep. Troy Carter, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan, US Commerce Undersecretary for International Trade William Kimmitt, and Hyundai Steel President Lee Bo-ryong. [Hyundai Steel]

"The Hyundai Steel-Posco Louisiana Steel electric arc furnace — HPLS — will become a new symbol of the Korea-US alliance. It is a symbol of an alliance that builds together, creates together and grows together." — Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan

Senior government and business officials from South Korea and the United States spoke in unison at the HPLS groundbreaking ceremony Friday, stressing the importance of industrial cooperation between the two countries. They said the project goes beyond establishing a US production base for Korean steelmakers, calling it a new model of the Korea-US alliance that combines South Korea's manufacturing capabilities with America's energy and infrastructure.

The ceremony, held Friday (local time) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, drew a high-profile gathering that included Kim Jung-kwan, South Korea's minister of trade, industry and energy; Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha; William Kimmitt, US undersecretary of commerce for international trade; Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry; and US Representatives Troy Carter and Julia Letlow.

In his remarks, Kim said the project "goes beyond simply building a steel mill," calling it "a project that shows what the two countries can achieve when they work together."

Kim said South Korea can serve as a key partner in America's effort to rebuild its manufacturing sector. "The United States has energy, skilled workers and a great market, and South Korea has manufacturing capabilities and decades of industrial experience," he said. "Together, we can build more, create more jobs and secure stronger competitiveness."

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan delivers remarks at the HPLS groundbreaking ceremony held Friday (local time) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. [Hyundai Steel]

When HPLS begins full operation in 2029, it is expected to support more than 5,400 direct and indirect jobs, with the high-quality steel produced at the facility destined for US automotive plants as well as construction, energy infrastructure and other industries.

Kim said the project "will also serve as an opportunity for South Korea to establish a strong production base in the North American market," adding that it "is not a one-sided investment but a partnership built on mutual cooperation — a project that benefits Louisiana, the United States and South Korea alike." He added, "This is the direction that true industrial cooperation must take."

US officials framed the HPLS investment as a prime example of foreign capital aligning with Washington's push to revive domestic manufacturing. Kimmitt said, "Without steel, you cannot build a strong automotive industry, and if you depend on other countries for the most basic materials underpinning countless critical industries, you cannot achieve true economic security." He added, "Policy alone cannot build a steel mill — you need capable companies willing to step up and invest, and Hyundai Steel and Posco have taken on exactly that role."

Kimmitt said the ceremony was taking place "on the very site where Hyundai Steel will invest $5.8 billion, where more than 1,300 Americans will work, and where 2.7 million tons of steel will be produced every year." He said Hyundai Steel, and Hyundai Motor Group more broadly, "is making good on its commitment to produce steel in America and further strengthen an industrial ecosystem that directly links steel and vehicle production."

Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha delivers remarks at the HPLS groundbreaking ceremony held Friday (local time) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. [Hyundai Steel]

Ambassador Kang described the investment as an extension of more than 70 years of Korea-US cooperation into advanced manufacturing. Invoking the history of Louisiana soldiers who fought alongside Koreans during the Korean War, she said that partnership "made it possible for Korea to transform and build a thriving economy."

She said Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Motor, Kia and Posco had joined forces "to build a production base here in Louisiana," adding that "steel sheet to be supplied across the United States will be produced here, strengthening the broader automotive ecosystem." She said the investment "will create wide opportunities for this region as it combines Louisiana's skilled workforce and expertise."

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry delivers remarks at the HPLS groundbreaking ceremony held Friday (local time) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. [Hyundai Steel]

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry cited the state's energy resources, ports, railways, natural resources and local workforce as the factors behind Louisiana's selection as the HPLS site. "We have energy, we have ports, we have railways, we have natural resources," he said. "But above all, we have our greatest natural resource — our people." He added that Louisiana has "a workforce ready to work and a workforce ready to learn," and pledged to stand by Hyundai Steel "so it can succeed not just in America but around the world."

Officials from both countries agreed that HPLS represents more than a $5.8 billion steel project — it is a new model of industrial cooperation linking the supply chains of South Korea and the United States. Kim said he hopes "South Korea and the United States will be allies in security, partners in industry and allies who build the future together."

eyre@heraldcorp.com