SMART Alabama, LLC, will soon start on a new Hyundai line four years in the making.

SMART produces the inner body of the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra. Every four years, Hyundai changes the body style of its vehicles. Two years ago, the Sonata got an upgrade. This time, it’s the Elantra’s turn.

The new line required a $60 million investment in new robotics for the SMART plant.

“Every time we start a new line, it’s a major investment in the company. This production will start in December,” said SMART’s Gary Sport.

The body of the Elantra will see a few changes and the vehicle’s standard equipment will be upgraded.

“One of the biggest differences in this car is the road noised,” Sport said. “It has more sealer than any other car we’ve made, which should make it a lot quieter.”

The new line means the continued collaboration between Luverne’s SMART plant and Hyundai.

Crews from Korea have been working for several months to get the 165 new robots online and ready to take over production.

“We’ve already started training people,” Sport said.

In addition to training the current staff assigned to the Elantra line, SMART will have to hire more people.

“We’re adding 30 people, which will bring our total employees up to 784,” Sport said.

Applications are available at Alliance Solution Staffing or any Alabama Career Center.