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SK Battery Lays Off Over a Third of Georgia Plant Staff
7 Mar
Summary
- SK Battery America reduced its workforce by 958 employees, 37% of staff.
- The Georgia plant supplied cells for Ford's canceled F-150 Lightning.
- The company remains committed to Georgia and building a US supply chain.
SK Battery America has implemented a significant workforce reduction, laying off 958 employees, which constitutes 37% of its staff at the Georgia plant. This difficult decision stems from a broader slowdown in electric vehicle sales impacting the market. The Commerce, Georgia facility had been a key supplier for Ford Motor Co.'s electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, which has since been canceled. It also supplies cells for Volkswagen AG and Hyundai Motor Co.
Despite the recent layoffs, SK Battery America asserts its continued commitment to Georgia and its mission to establish a strong US supply chain for advanced battery manufacturing. The company is actively seeking new customers in both the automotive sector and the stationary storage market. SK Innovation, the parent company, has cited the unraveling EV transition in markets like the US, coupled with policy shifts, as contributing factors to its current operational adjustments.
SK has additional battery production capabilities planned. A second Georgia plant is slated to begin production in the first half of 2026, supplying Hyundai. Furthermore, its Tennessee plant, formerly part of a joint venture with Ford, is expected to commence operations in 2028, with the potential to supply cells for both automotive and stationary storage applications. These developments indicate ongoing strategic investments despite current market challenges.
