- $5.8 billion steel mill project marked with ceremonial event on September 4, followed by Community Day celebration two days later
- Sequential events demonstrate HPLS’s commitment to manufacturing investment and community partnership
- Community Day featured live music, interactive activities, cultural exchanges bridging Louisiana and Korea
DONALDSONVILLE, La., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Just days after marking its $5.8 billion steel mill project launch with a ceremonial event on September 4, HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana Steel (HPLS) demonstrated its commitment to community partnership by hosting a celebration on September 6 that drew nearly 700 Donaldsonville residents.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (3rd from L) and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung (4th from L) shake hands during the HPLS ceremonial event in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, on September 4, 2026.
HPLS, a joint venture between Hyundai Steel, POSCO, Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation, marked the launch of its $5.8 billion steel mill project on September 4. The first Electric Arc Furnace-based integrated steel mill in the U.S. will begin commercial production in 2029 and is expected to create 5,400 jobs, including 1,300 direct positions, while reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 70 percent compared to conventional methods.
Two days later, HPLS brought that strategic vision directly to the community. On September 6, the company hosted Community Day at Louisiana Square in Donaldsonville under the slogan “Building the Future of Steel, Together with Louisiana.”
The celebration featured live music performances by local artists Red Tape Musiq, King Pakayea’ Band and Royal Essence, interactive activities, and cultural exchanges that brought together HPLS executives, employees and community members. Local leaders including Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan joined the celebration alongside HPLS CEO Hyung-Jin Kim.
“We are pleased to see the HPLS project launch ceremony successfully held here in our community,” said Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan, “We look forward to seeing HPLS grow as a long-term partner in our community and build a shared future together with the people of Donaldsonville.”
Interactive activities brought families together, including a miniature shovel game to find letters spelling “HPLS” and a 29-second bucket-stacking challenge—a playful nod to 2029, when commercial production is scheduled to begin. Participants who completed the challenge received HPLS-branded merchandise including T-shirts, caps and eco-friendly coasters.
Food offered another point of connection between Louisiana and Korea, with residents enjoying local favorites such as jambalaya and chicken wings alongside Korean dishes including dakgangjeong (Korean sweet and crispy fried chicken) and vegetable fried rice. At a photo area, families posed with hard hats and shovels, capturing memorable moments celebrating the project milestone.
Investing in Community Partnership
Beyond the Community Day celebration, HPLS has committed to building long-term partnerships with local institutions. The company is collaborating with Louisiana State University and River Parishes Community College to develop workforce training programs, including the RPCC – Hyundai Workforce Training Center in Donaldsonville.
In 2026 alone, HPLS donated more than $30,000 to local organizations including the Modeste Food Bank, local youth programs, and community events.
“The event marked another opportunity for HPLS to connect with the Donaldsonville community, building on the relationships and engagement already established as the company begins building not only a new steel mill, but also long-term relationships in Louisiana,” said Hyung-Jin Kim, CEO of HPLS, “HPLS is grateful to the residents, local leaders and community partners who helped make the day possible and looks forward to continuing to build its future in Louisiana together with the community.”
The Louisiana steel mill represents Hyundai Steel’s first North American steelmaking facility and a cornerstone of Hyundai Motor Group’s broader $26 billion U.S. investment commitment. The facility will supply high-quality, low-carbon automotive steel to Hyundai Motor and Kia plants in the U.S. as well as other major automakers, establishing a resilient automotive supply chain.
About HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana Steel (HPLS)
HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana Steel (HPLS) is a $5.8 billion landmark investment redefining the future of manufacturing in the United States. Located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, this first-of-its-kind facility represents Hyundai Motor Group’s inaugural steelmaking base in North America — establishing a fully integrated, made-in-America supply chain supporting automotive production nationwide. More information about HPLS can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hyundai-posco-louisiana-steel/
About Hyundai Steel
Hyundai Steel Company is a leading steel manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Established in 1953, Hyundai Steel is a core member of Hyundai Motor Group and supplies high-quality steel products to global industries including automotive, construction, machinery, shipbuilding, and energy sectors. More information about Hyundai Steel, please see: https://hyundai-steel.com/en
HPLS Community Day event in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, on September 6, 2026. (From left) Charles Jang, President of HPLS; James LeBlanc, Ascension Parish Governmental Affairs Director; Leroy Sullivan, Mayor of Donaldsonville; Hyung-Jin Kim, HPLS CEO
