Few people can claim to have witnessed the launch of two large scale high-tech facilities in their careers, and perhaps even fewer have experienced this within such a short timeframe. Péter Fónagy, a process engineer leader at SK On Hungary, was part of the opening team in Komárom and played a pivotal role in the early days of the Iváncsa plant. Now, with the Iváncsa plant having commenced mass production earlier this year, we sat down with Péter to reflect on his journey and the challenges and innovations that have marked this exciting chapter in his career.
*Please note: This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness from its original publication in SK On’s Magazine 2023.

Q1. In 2018, you applied to SK’s Komárom factory as an engineer, even though the company had not yet established a presence in Hungary. What drew you to this opportunity?

I was drawn to SK for two main reasons. First, the product itself captivated me. Battery manufacturing is a field I find incredibly fascinating, and I often read about it in my spare time. As a chemical engineer, I have a strong interest in both materials and technology. I wanted to work in an environment where I could observe large-scale battery manufacturing in mass production, as that’s what truly intrigues me. At SK, I’m not confined to a lab; I’m actively engaged in the field.

The second reason was the unique opportunity to be part of a team from the very beginning. Being involved in the startup phase of a new facility offers numerous advantages and opportunities for growth and development.

Q2. Could you share with us some experiences from being part of the initial team at SK On Hungary’s factories?

Being an engineer at a new facility offers significantly more flexibility than working in an established factory. It was rewarding to have a say in how things are done, to implement my ideas, and to improve production efficiency. While there were guiding principles that shape our direction, the environment was much more open. Being involved from the beginning gave me a broader knowledge base and a deeper understanding of the processes.

Additionally, joining the initial team allowed me to engage in activities I might not have experienced otherwise, such as overseeing the installation of machinery, procuring necessary equipment, and participating in the selection and training of colleagues. These experiences have been invaluable to my professional growth.

Q3. When comparing the construction projects in Komárom and Iváncsa, what similarities and differences have you observed?

Looking back, in Komárom, we faced challenges due to the heat, while in Iváncsa, the pace picked up during the winter. We had to adapt to these extreme weather conditions, which is the first thing that comes to mind from the construction site. Regarding the factories themselves, Iváncsa is on a much larger site, although the Komárom plant is also substantial. It is worth noting that the Komárom plant is modeled after the one in Seosan, whereas Iváncsa presents a completely different situation, not only in terms of size. While the core battery production processes remain the same, Iváncsa features numerous innovations in equipment and technology. This reflects the rapid revolution of the industry, despite the short time span between the start of these two projects.

Q4. What does a typical day look like for a process engineer?

Now that the Iváncsa plant is in full operation, my primary responsibility is to ensure that the batteries produced are of high quality. Working closely with my colleagues, we analyze faults, identify their causes, and develop solutions. In battery production, there is often a significant time gap between processes, and certain defects may only become apparent at later stages. This is especially relevant in my area of expertise. Drawing on my experience in Komárom and now in Iváncsa, I strive to minimize the likelihood of defective components leaving the Electrode process and to detect defects as early as possible.

Q5. What motivates you in your everyday life?

Since we spend a significant portion of our weekdays working, it’s crucial to find our work both enjoyable and interesting—and for me, it certainly is. I have a strong appreciation for well-functioning systems and enjoy tackling challenges, which is one reason I joined the Iváncsa plant. Witnessing the rapid development of technology has always inspired me. What truly satisfies me is the motivation and excitement I feel about going to work each day. I am driven by the challenges and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and innovative environment.