A new factory announced for the Commerce area will bring 2000 jobs to the area. Here is the release from Governor Deal's office:
Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that SK innovation, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles, is estimated to create more than 2,000 jobs and invest $1.67 billion in a new manufacturing plant in Jackson County in the long term. “As the No. 1 state for business six times over, Georgia continues to maintain strong partnerships with Korean businesses and international industry leaders that lead to real results,” said Deal. “SK innovation’s decision to make this significant investment and create more than 2,000 jobs in Jackson County reflects Georgia’s reputation as a top destination for international businesses, especially those in the automotive supply sector. By choosing Georgia, SK innovation will have access to our skilled workforce and extensive manufacturing resources, while also joining a number of other Korean-affiliated companies that operate manufacturing facilities across the state. We appreciate SK innovation’s investment in the Jackson County community and look forward to the company’s success long into the future.”
The proposed manufacturing plant will be constructed in two phases: each phase will add approximately 1,000,000 square feet of manufacturing space and include the hiring of more than 1,000 advanced manufacturing employees. “SK innovation has been actively looking for a production base to secure competitiveness in the battery business in the major global market,” said Kim Jun, chief executive of SK innovation. “With our business in the hub of the global auto industry, we will grow as a top player in the battery business.”
Deal and Gov.-elect Brian Kemp met with SK innovation together last week to express Georgia’s current and future commitment to work closely with the company as it creates the largest single investment and job-creating project announced in the state’s history.
SK innovation is a part of the SK Group, one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea. The company employs more than 6,500 individuals worldwide. Customers for SK innovation’s battery business include Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai-Kia Motors. Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Senior Project Manager Yoonie Kim represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with JCDA and Georgia Power.
