Hyundai Motors in Montgomery

I had the opportunity to visit Hyundai in Montgomery. It was interesting to compare the similarities and differences to the plant in Korea. Both plants have the same focus on being eco-friendly by recycling materials and minimizing waste in the production process. Both plants also emphasize the importance on working together as a team to create quality products for the consumer. The plant in Montgomery utilizes robotics more than manpower in comparison to Hyundai Motors in Korea. Also, I was able to tour the plant by riding a motorized cart and was able to go into more buildings to get a better visual as to how the car manufacturing process operates. In addition, we were also encouraged to cheer for the employees working the assembly line. In Korea we walked on platforms above ground-level to see how the process was done. Both plants were extremely clean and organized. Team members had a system. Every part and tool had a designated place. In addition, a specific tune played for each section of the line if an error occurred in a specific area to notify everyone else. Hyundai's technology was extremely impressive and their committment to excellence is even greater.

Day 10

I'm heading home today and I'm SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope my mom is ready to take care of me and fix me a meal that doesn't contain kimchi..lol.

Day 9

I think the yellow dust is getting to me. I woke up with a sore throat and I'm congested. I knew that I should have worn those masks. We arrived in Narita, Japan today and took the subway to downtown Tokyo. I felt like I was in Times Square in New York. The lights, the people, and the on the corner entertainment made me feel like I was back in the United States. We ate in a "hole in the wall" place and had the best time bonding and reflecting on the trip. My food was great! I ate steak, crab fried rice, and fried oysters. After dinner we toured the city and tried to find a karoke bar. People drive on the opposite side of the road over there and it's a different sight to see. I really wish we had more time here to take in ALL the sites.

Day 8

Today was a light day. We visited Incheon Free Economic Zone(IFEZ). It is the growth engine of Korea leading Northeast Asia under the strong back up from the National Government of Korea and the Metropolitan City of Incheon. IFEZ Mission: In order to swiftly create the foreigner-friendly economic and living conditions and intended to be developed as part of methods through which the Republic of Korea performs any central function in business of the northeastern Asia Regions. This economic development was made possible by filling the ocean with land to produce a buildable site. We got a chance to see a model of everything that is supposed to be built. I hope that will get a chance to see the finished product in years to come.

Day 7

Today we were able to go to the Demilitarized Zone(DMZ). We actually went to the border of North Korea, learned about the significance of the axe murders and the bridge of no return. I have never felt so tense before in my life!!! We could not make any gestures to the soldiers and had to sign waivers stating that the people that we were with were not liable if anything were to happen because we knowingly visited a potentially dangerous location. We were not able to make gestures because the soldiers could misinterpret what the gesture was and fire at the unsuspecting target. I took pictures where it was permissable and I was happy to leave when we did. I couldn't help but to think about those people who constantly experience the fear of the unknown and I quickly realized how blessed I was not to live in such a hostile environment.

Day 6

Today we visited Hyundai Motors and Hyundai Heavy Industries. I have visited the plant in Montgomery and it was interesting to compare both plants. Montgomery's site utilizes more robotics than manpower. We didn't ride on carts from building to building and we did not cheer for the employees. I got a chance to see cars that are not manufactured in the United States. One of the cars resembled a Bentley and could compete in the same market as a Mercedes Benz. Hyundai is very committed to being green and maintaining low waste. We were given toy Sonatas and Santa Fes for souvenirs. Ships are built at Hyundai Heavy Industries. These ships are put together using dry docks. The automotive industry is booming in the United States and provides many lucrative opportunities for those individuals interested in the field, but that's not where my passion is.