SK On, a major South Korean battery manufacturer, has laid off nearly 1,000 workers at its US battery plant in Georgia due to declining electric vehicle (EV) demand. The layoffs at SK Battery America in Commerce, Georgia, represent about 37% of the plant’s workforce of 2,500 employees. This move comes as part of the company’s restructuring efforts in response to the changing market conditions impacting EV sales.
The decision to reduce the workforce was made to align operations with the evolving market dynamics while ensuring a strong U.S. supply chain for advanced battery manufacturing. The Georgia plant, which supplies EV batteries to automakers like Volkswagen and Hyundai Motor, faced profitability challenges after Ford Motor canceled production plans for its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck.
SK On is expanding its battery production capacity by constructing a second plant in Georgia to supply batteries to Hyundai Motor, with production set to commence in the first half of this year. Additionally, a plant in Tennessee is scheduled to start production in 2028. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia had discussions with SK On’s CEO, Lee Seok-hee, to strengthen business ties and cooperation during a visit to the company’s headquarters in Seoul.
