SK lays off nearly 1k workers at Georgia plant amid cooling automaker EV plan
6 hours ago
- #Georgia Economy
- #EV Industry
- #Workforce Reduction
- SK Battery America laid off nearly 1,000 workers (37% of its workforce) at its Georgia plant due to cooling EV demand and automakers' changing plans.
- The layoffs follow Ford's cancellation of the fully electric F-150 Lightning, a vehicle SK supplied batteries for.
- SK remains committed to Georgia and the U.S. battery supply chain, exploring future customers like Battery Energy Storage Systems.
- Georgia has been a major beneficiary of EV investments, including SK and Hyundai's $5 billion joint battery factory.
- EV demand growth has slowed, leading automakers like Ford and GM to pivot toward hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
- The Trump administration's policies, including eliminating EV tax credits and weakening emissions rules, have impacted the EV market.
- Georgia's job market remains strong, with over 219,700 new jobs announced since 2019 despite the SK layoffs.