The plant's technology would be more advanced than that which Kumho uses in its Automated Production Unit plant in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Once Kumho finds a site that meets its selection criteria, Oh said, construction would start as soon as possible. Based on the pace of construction at the firm's newest plants in China and Vietnam, production could start as soon as 12 to 18 months later. Oh said site selection depends on a number of factors, including: distance from factory to customers; cost of labour; availability of a skilled/trainable work force; and market size. Obtaining original equipment fitments also would play a role in the decision, he said. Oh did not say what Kumho would budget for a factory, but it is spending $155 million for the plant in Vietnam and $150 million for the plant in Changchun, China, that is undergoing trial production now.