- Hyundai Motor Türkiye (HMTR) has opened a new Occupational Health and Safety Center, named the Hyundai Life Center, at its manufacturing plant in İzmit.
- The center features hands-on simulation and training areas—most notably an earthquake simulator—as well as a full-scale sports complex. It also marks a first within Hyundai Motor Company worldwide.
- The official opening ceremony, hosted by HMTR CEO Alex Kim, was attended by Kocaeli Governor İlhami Aktaş and Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Istanbul, Woo Sung Lee. In his remarks, Kim said: "The Hyundai Life Center is more than just a facility—it is a reflection of our vision that prioritizes both the safety and development of our employees and the well-being of society. Through this project, we aim to contribute to a healthier and safer future for both HMTR and our community."
With nearly 30 years of production in Türkiye, Hyundai Motor Türkiye continues to invest in employee-centered initiatives. The Hyundai Life Center was built with the goal of addressing employees' needs while also creating value for the surrounding region. Speaking about the project, Kim added: "We're proud to have completed this important initiative after months of dedicated effort. Hyundai Motor Company has always placed people at the center of its global strategy. The Hyundai Life Center reflects this commitment, as it prioritizes not only employee safety and growth but also social impact. As the first of its kind for Hyundai globally, the center represents a key milestone in our efforts to support a stronger, safer future."
"Professionals and students will also be able to benefit from the center"
During the ceremony, Barbaros Yıldırım, General Manager of Administrative Affairs at HMTR, highlighted the center's multi-functional design: "When developing the Hyundai Life Center, our aim was not just to build a facility, but to create an integrated system. The earthquake and safe-driving simulators, for example, allow employees to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This infrastructure will also be available to occupational safety professionals and students in the region."
"Includes an earthquake simulator within a 5,000-square-meter area"
Named by Hyundai employees, the Hyundai Life Center is designed to strengthen the physical resilience of both blue- and white-collar workers. The 4,900-square-meter facility includes simulation areas focused on earthquake preparedness and workplace safety. Alongside simulation modules for safe driving, forklift operation, confined space awareness, and earthquake response, the center features football, basketball, and volleyball courts and a running track. These facilities aim to raise awareness and preparedness levels among employees and the broader community. The center will also host ongoing training sessions throughout the year to ensure that employees remain up to date with the latest technical knowledge and evolving technologies.
Hyundai Motor Türkiye:
Hyundai Motor Türkiye began production on September 20, 1997, in İzmit, becoming Hyundai Motor Company's first overseas manufacturing plant. Initially designed with an annual capacity of 50,000 units, the factory reached 245,000 units in 2024. Over 28 years, the company has produced more than 3 million vehicles. Today, HMTR employs 2,500 people and exports mainly to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company also works with 17,600 suppliers.