Where Is SK Battery America Located?

SK Battery America (SKBA) is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with primary manufacturing facilities in Commerce, GA (~80 miles northeast). These plants produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), supplying major automakers like Ford and Volkswagen. The $2.6B complex spans 2.4 million sq ft, employing 3,000+ workers, positioning Georgia as a U.S. EV battery hub. Pro Tip: SKBA’s Georgia sites prioritize renewable energy—30% of power comes from solar to meet sustainability targets.

Where is SK Battery America’s headquarters located?

SKBA’s U.S. headquarters is in Atlanta, Georgia, strategically positioned to oversee manufacturing operations and partner with Southern automotive OEMs. The corporate office handles R&D, supply chain logistics, and client relations for North American EV markets.

Beyond its Atlanta HQ, SKBA operates two massive plants in Commerce, GA, totaling 21GWh annual capacity. These facilities focus on NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) and NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum) cells optimized for high-range EVs. Practically speaking, Georgia’s tax incentives ($300M+ for SKBA) and proximity to Hyundai’s Metaplant made it a strategic choice. For example, SKBA’s batteries power the Ford F-150 Lightning, requiring tight collaboration with Detroit automakers. Pro Tip: Always verify BMS compatibility when sourcing SKBA packs—their proprietary thermal management systems demand customized controllers.

What manufacturing facilities does SK Battery America operate?

SKBA runs two lithium-ion gigafactories in Commerce, GA: Plant 1 (2019) and Plant 2 (2022). Combined, they produce 21GWh/year, enough for 300,000 EVs annually. A third plant is planned for 2025, targeting 40GWh total capacity.

Plant 1 specializes in NCM 811 cells (80% nickel), achieving 280Wh/kg energy density, while Plant 2 manufactures NCMA blades for structural battery packs. Transitioning to SK Innovation’s SEP (Separator Enhancement Process), these factories reduce cobalt content by 50% versus older models. But how does this impact performance? NCMA chemistry balances thermal stability (critical for Georgia’s humid climate) with cost efficiency. Pro Tip: SKBA’s 80Ah pouch cells require compression fixtures—never install them without proper module housings.

Why did SK Battery America choose Georgia for its plants?

Georgia offered tax incentives, a skilled workforce, and proximity to EV automakers. The state’s $300M+ incentive package included infrastructure grants and job creation credits, while Savannah’s port enables raw material imports.

Georgia’s “Auto Alley” hosts Kia, Hyundai, and Rivian factories, reducing shipping costs for JIT (just-in-time) battery deliveries. The state’s technical colleges also partner with SKBA for workforce training—over 90% of line workers are locally hired. For instance, Quick Start Georgia trains 200+ employees annually in electrode coating and cell stacking. But what about energy costs? SKBA’s plants use 30% renewable energy via a 140MW solar agreement with Georgia Power. Pro Tip: Monitor Georgia’s seasonal humidity—SKBA’s dry rooms require 24/7 dehumidification to maintain <1% moisture during cell assembly.

How does SK Battery America’s location impact the U.S. EV supply chain?

SKBA’s Georgia hubs reduce dependency on overseas batteries, cutting shipping costs and tariffs. Their plants supply 25% of North America’s EV cells, bolstering IRA-compliant (Inflation Reduction Act) sourcing for automakers.

By localizing production, SKBA slashes lead times from 12 weeks (Asia imports) to 2 weeks for Southern OEMs. For example, Hyundai’s Metaplant in Savannah sources SKBA packs for the Ioniq 5, avoiding $2,800/unit Section 301 tariffs. However, raw materials like lithium still rely on imports from Australia and Chile. Pro Tip: Use SKBA’s Georgia warehouses for buffer stock—their VMI (vendor-managed inventory) system auto-replishes based on OEM assembly rates.

What partnerships has SK Battery America formed in Georgia?

SKBA collaborates with Hyundai, Ford, and state agencies. Key partnerships include a $5B joint venture with Ford (BlueOval SK) and workforce training with Georgia Tech.

The BlueOval SK JV will build three U.S. plants (two in Kentucky, one in Tennessee) by 2025, leveraging SKBA’s Georgia R&D for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) tech. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech’s NEET (NextGen Engineers and Technicians) program co-develops AI-driven quality control systems for SKBA’s production lines. Practically speaking, these partnerships help SKBA meet IRA’s 50% domestic content rule. Pro Tip: Audit SKBA’s vendor certifications—only Tier 1 suppliers (e.g., Novonix for anodes) are approved for their Georgia lines.

What is the economic impact of SK Battery America’s Georgia operations?

SKBA contributes $12B annually to Georgia’s economy through jobs, taxes, and supplier networks. Their plants created 3,000 direct and 8,000 indirect jobs, boosting local GDP by 4%.

Beyond employment, SKBA’s presence attracted 14 suppliers to Georgia, including LS Materials (electrolyte) and Daejoo (foils). For every $1 SKBA invests, $2.70 circulates in the state’s economy via services and housing. However, challenges persist—residents near Commerce report increased traffic and housing price spikes (up 22% since 2019). Pro Tip: Negotiate logistics contracts early—SKBA’s 24/7 shipping corridor on I-85 faces congestion during peak EV production cycles.

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