On April 19^th (local time), SK battery America, the U.S. subsidiary of SK Innovation battery business was visited by a special group of guests led by Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia at its EV battery manufacturing facility in Commerce, Jackson County. CEO of SK Innovation Kim Jun, President of SK Innovation’s Battery Business Jee Dong-seob represented the company to welcome Governor Kemp, along with Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson at the site.

▲ Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (third from left) delivers a speech during his visit to SK Innovation’s EV battery plant in Commerce City, Jackson County, on April 19^th

Governor Kemp said that he appreciated SK Innovation’s “decision to get things settled and keep moving here.” Kemp also emphasized that it’s very important not just for Georgia but for the U.S. electric vehicle industry. He further stated, “We have stood with them and we’re going to continue to stand with them.” 

CEO of SK Innovation Kim Jun responded to the reporters that “SK Innovation will grow with the local community.” “By 2025, when phase 2 construction is complete, we expect around 6,000 jobs to be created here on site,” he added.

CEO Kim Jun also showed his appreciation to Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia community for their unwavering trust and support for SK Innovation during the battery dispute.

▲ (From left) CEO of SK Innovation Kim Jun, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson and President of SK Innovation’s Battery Business Jee Dong-seob hold battery cells produced at SK Innovation’s EV battery plant in Commerce City, Jackson County

SK Innovation broke ground on the first Jackson County plant in March 2019 with a USD 1.67 billion investment. In line with the increasing demand of EV batteries, SK Innovation started building a second facility at Commerce in July last year with additional investment of USD 940 million. In total, the two plants are expected to have annual capacity of 21.5GWh.