Georgia, October 15, 2025
LG Energy Solution has restarted construction on its U.S. battery plant in Georgia after facing delays due to detentions. This joint venture with Hyundai Motor is expected to create thousands of jobs, bolstering Georgia’s position as a key player in the electric vehicle manufacturing sector. The plant will significantly contribute to the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries and cement the partnership between LG and Hyundai as they advance in the competitive automotive market.
Ellabell, Georgia – Construction Resumes at Hyundai-LG Energy Solution Battery Plant
Ellabell, Georgia – Construction has resumed at the Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution’s joint electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant in Bryan County, Georgia, following a temporary halt due to a significant immigration enforcement operation. The facility, a $7.6 billion investment, is expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster Georgia’s position in the EV manufacturing sector.
Details of the Construction Resumption
After a month-long suspension, work at the plant site has restarted. The pause was initiated following a large-scale immigration raid on September 4, 2025, which led to the detention of approximately 475 workers, primarily South Korean nationals employed by LG Energy Solution’s contractors. The majority of these workers have since returned to their duties, allowing construction to proceed. The plant is now expected to commence battery production by the end of 2025, with an annual capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours, sufficient to support the production of 300,000 EVs. This facility is part of a broader $7.6 billion investment in Georgia’s EV manufacturing infrastructure.
Impact on Local Economy and Employment
The resumption of construction is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The plant is projected to employ over 1,400 workers, with plans to hire an additional 8,100 by 2031. The surrounding area has also seen increased economic activity, with 17 suppliers announcing new factories to support the plant, collectively investing an estimated $2.7 billion and creating another 7,000 jobs.
Background on the Project
In May 2023, Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution announced the establishment of a joint venture to build an EV battery cell manufacturing plant in Bryan County, adjacent to Hyundai’s Metaplant America. The facility is designed to produce batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EV models, aiming to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. market. The project underscores the companies’ commitment to advancing electrification efforts and strengthening their partnership in the automotive industry.
Safety and Regulatory Considerations
During the construction phase, there have been concerns regarding worker safety. Reports indicate that since the project’s inception in 2022, there have been fatalities and serious injuries among workers, many of whom were inexperienced immigrant laborers. In response, Hyundai has audited and strengthened safety protocols, improving oversight, contractor vetting, and training to ensure a safer working environment.
Conclusion
The resumption of construction at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant marks a significant step forward in Georgia’s EV manufacturing capabilities. The project is poised to create thousands of jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to the advancement of electric vehicle production in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant?
The Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, established to manufacture electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Bryan County, Georgia. The facility is designed to produce batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EV models, aiming to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. market.
Why was construction paused at the plant?
Construction at the plant was temporarily halted following a large-scale immigration enforcement operation on September 4, 2025, which led to the detention of approximately 475 workers, primarily South Korean nationals employed by LG Energy Solution’s contractors. The majority of these workers have since returned to their duties, allowing construction to resume.
What is the expected impact of the plant on the local economy?
The plant is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. It is projected to employ over 1,400 workers, with plans to hire an additional 8,100 by 2031. Additionally, 17 suppliers have announced new factories to support the plant, collectively investing an estimated $2.7 billion and creating another 7,000 jobs.
What safety measures are being implemented at the construction site?
In response to concerns regarding worker safety, Hyundai has audited and strengthened safety protocols at the construction site. This includes improving oversight, contractor vetting, and training to ensure a safer working environment for all personnel involved.
When is the plant expected to begin battery production?
The plant is now expected to commence battery production by the end of 2025, with an annual capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours, sufficient to support the production of 300,000 EVs.
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Key Features of the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution Battery Plant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bryan County, Georgia, adjacent to Hyundai’s Metaplant America |
| Investment | $7.6 billion |
| Annual Battery Production Capacity | 30 gigawatt-hours |
| EVs Supported Annually | 300,000 |
| Projected Employment | Over 1,400 workers, with plans to hire an additional 8,100 by 2031 |
| Supplier Investments | 17 suppliers investing an estimated $2.7 billion, creating another 7,000 jobs |
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Author: Construction FL News
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