|
|
|
|
By TechnoGoat at 2008-06-08 23:31
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2006 OKLAHOMA SELECTED AS BASE FOR US OPERATIONS OF MG BRAND
Three Oklahoma Cities Part of Assembly, Headquarters, Research Operations (Oklahoma City) – MG Motors North America, Inc. today announced the revival of the historic MG brand of automobiles and to make Oklahoma its base of operation. The company plans to place its headquarters in Oklahoma City with assembly and distribution in Ardmore. Research and development will be in Norman at the University of Oklahoma. The reasons MG Motors chose Oklahoma are numerous. “We looked at a lot of different locations around the country, but none could equal the overall appeal of Oklahoma,” said Duke Hale, CEO of the new company. “This is a very business-friendly environment populated by some of the warmest, friendliest people in the world. Oklahoma also provides an ideal geographic location to support our distribution efforts for the North American market and for exporting products abroad.” Gov. Brad Henry said MG’s announcement is great news for Oklahoma. “Landing this project is a testament to our state’s pro-business climate, highly skilled workforce and commitment to excellence,” Henry said. “This is a major investment in Oklahoma that will mean hundreds of good-paying jobs. The unique partnership between Ardmore, Norman and Oklahoma City is indicative of the cooperation that exists in Oklahoma.” At full capacity, MG Motors will create more than 500 jobs in Oklahoma, with an estimated payroll exceeding $30 million. The assembly plant at the Ardmore Airpark will employ 325 people, the global headquarters in Oklahoma City will employ 150, and the research and development component at OU will employ about 35. (more)The creation of the new MG Motors is the result of more than three years of planning and collaboration among a variety of partners from across Oklahoma. Ardmore Mayor, John Moore, believes Ardmore’s proposed International Trade Center was a key factor in MG’s decision. “The city of Ardmore and the Ardmore Development Authority are excited by MG Motors decision to locate the assembly plant in Ardmore,” Moore said. “It confirms the validity of the International Trade Center concept and the sound decision of the Legislature in creating the Opportunity Fund, which was a critical component in providing the necessary infrastructure for the project.” Oklahoma City Mayor, Mick Cornett, credits Oklahoma’s pro-business environment as the key to attracting MG Motors. “This announcement is another example of how Oklahoma and Oklahoma City are attracting the attention of global business leaders,” said Cornett. “Our business climate, our workforce and our quality of life make this a great place to do business. To be the home of MG Motors North America, Inc. is an honor and we welcome them to our community.” Norman Mayor, Harold Haralson, said the project will not only create quality jobs for the community but also provide students with real-world experience. “The location of the engineering and design center for this project at the University of Oklahoma will create private industry and university synergies and will afford students at the university the opportunity to work in a leading edge automotive environment,” Haralson said. “We salute the efforts of the Norman Economic Development Coalition to secure this portion of the project for our community.” Amy Polonchek, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce said Oklahoma’s competitive incentive package played a critical role in bringing MG Motors to Oklahoma. “Oklahoma’s incentives are competitive with any throughout the world, but our ability to create partnerships is Oklahoma’s competitive advantage,” Polonchek said.
|
|
|
|
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:32 PM.
