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WEST POINT, GA-It's a done deal, says Gov. Sonny Perdue of Kia Motors Corp.'s plans to break ground Oct. 20 on its first assembly plant in the US. The $1.2-billion facility is tentatively scheduled to open in 2009, employing a work force of 2,893. Another 2,600 jobs are expected to be created at nearby parts suppliers.

Kia had planned ground-breaking ceremonies April 26 and again on May 10 in this Georgia town of 4,000 residents, about 75 miles southwest of Downtown Atlanta. But an alleged $108 million bribery scandal in South Korea involving Kia Motors' parent, Hyundai Motor Group, caused the plant's delay , as GlobeSt.com previously reported.

Perdue, who is seeking reelection in the Nov. 7 general election, personally signed the deal in March in Seoul. In a brief prepared statement, Perdue says the arrival of Kia "will result in thousands of jobs for Georgians and the continued growth and success of the company." Hyundai and Kia are expanding overseas productions to meet their goal of becoming the world's sixth largest automaker by 2010, the companies previously announced.