First EV Battery Plant in Georgia to Go Online in 2021
SK Innovation has signed to add another US$940 million investment to expand the EV battery manufacturing plant located in Commerce, Georgia, the United States.
Governor of Georgia Brian P. Kemp, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson, Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners Tom Crow, SK Battery America CEO Hwang Jun-ho came together for the signing ceremony that took place at the office of the Governor of Georgia state on June 25 (local time).
The company’s original US$1.67 billion investment in the first plant will soon create 2,000 jobs in Jackson County, and its additional expansion this time is expected to give about 600 more job opportunities.
GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson commented, “We are grateful for SK innovation’s growing partnership with our state. Their continued expansion here is a testament to Georgia’s strong partnership with South Korea, along with our pro-business environment, unmatched workforce training programs, and robust logistics network.” He added, “I would like to thank our economic development partners for their continued commitment and dedication to creating jobs and opportunities in Georgia.”
With an annual capacity of 9.8 GWh, SK Innovation’s first EV battery manufacturing plant in Georgia is under construction and expected to start operating in 2021. The firm will break ground on its second plant, which is set to produce 11.7GWh a year, in July. When the second plant in Georgia goes into mass production in 2023, SK Innovation will reach an annual global capacity of 71 GWh, consolidating its position as one of the largest EV battery producers in the world.
Despite the ongoing global economic downturn and the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, SK Innovation keeps making bold moves to invest for the future. The company is expanding its battery production base not only in the U.S., but also at home and in Europe, China. Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai-Kia Motors, and Ford Motor Co. are among the customers of SK Innovation’s battery business. The company’s further goal is to be among the top 3 global players in the EV battery market, aiming to produce 100 GWh by 2025.
“SK has proven to be a great community partner,” said Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners Tom Crow. “We are pleased to hear that they continue to be successful in gaining market share in the electric vehicle battery business and that they continue to expand in Jackson County.”
On the other hand, in May, SK Innovation donated US$400,000 to Augusta University in Georgia to support the local community to fight the COVID-19. The company’s contribution was used to help the state continue to enhance its testing capacity while reducing exposure for Georgia’s doctors, nurses, and medical staff through at-home screening. SK Innovation is making effort to create both economic and social values at all of its business sites.