Kia car plant driving local development

Two companies are investing in a new business park close to a planned Kia Motors plant in Harris County.

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce says that two firms plan to spend $11 million dollars on the venture, and employ 140 people. One of the companies will produce water valves and pipe fittings for the Kia plant.

The decision is part of a hoped-for wave of investments and state-backed development surrounding the one-point-two billion dollar assembly plant.

The move was announced on Tuesday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the North West Harris Business Park.

Kia officials say the plant, set to open in 2009 will employ nearly 3,000 workers and produce 300,000 vehicles annually. It will be the automaker's first US production facility.

Kia Motors recently pulled a half billion dollar bond sale for the West Point facility, initially spooking investors.

More on that story is here.