Just after SK Innovations suggested an exit from building up a factory in Georgia, South Korea’s leading energy company- LG Energy Solution has laid down its plans of establishing own battery factory in the state. In fact, in a letter to the Democratic US Senator, Raphael Warnock, it was mentioned that the company was prepared to do whatever it would take to help the people as well as workers of the state.
It was also mentioned that if any other entity looks to acquire SK plant, LG could help run the $2.6 billion EV battery plant in Commerce, where the former company plans to hire nearly about 2,600 workers.
As per credible reports, the proposal by LG comes right after Republican Governor Brian Kemp changed his call for President Joe Biden to supersede a federal trade decision that challenges SK’s ability to move ahead.
Besides, the US International Trade Commission had in February this year, ruled that SK had duped LG by stealing 22 trade secrets and that the company should be refrained from importing, exporting, or making batteries in the States for 10 years.
Speaking on the recent speculations, an SK spokesperson mentioned that LG’s monopolization of the US battery supply chain would only set the country further back in its efforts to be match the pace with China.
In addition, mentioned further was that it is not possible for someone to simply take over an entire EV battery manufacturing facility and operate it to full potential just to make batteries acceptable for a prominent major auto company.
For the record, LG Energy Solution had in last week declared its plans of building at least two new EV battery plants and invest more than USD 4.5 billion to bring EV batteries in the US, in addition to a plant which is already operational in Michigan and Holland, one which is building in Lordstown, and one whose foundation stones have been set in Tennessee. Apparently, all those plants have been built in partnership with General Motors.
Source Credit: https://borneobulletin.com.bn/korean-battery-firm-offers-georgia-plant-as-dispute-lingers/