Workflow
Automotive plant construction
icon
Search documents
Hyundai expects raid to delay US battery plant by three months
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-09-12 08:53
Core Viewpoint - Hyundai Motor Group anticipates a delay of up to three months in the completion of its new electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Georgia due to a raid by US immigration authorities [1][7]. Group 1: Plant Details - The HL-GA Battery Company plant was initially scheduled for completion by the end of the year and is intended to supply batteries to the nearby Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, which has a production capacity of 300,000 hybrid and battery-powered vehicles annually [2]. - The raid led to the detention of 475 individuals, including 300 specialized automotive personnel from South Korea, who were subsequently repatriated [3]. Group 2: Investment Context - The raid surprised South Korea, which has been heavily investing in expanding its manufacturing footprint in the US, with a commitment of US$ 350 billion in the medium term during recent trade discussions [4]. - Despite the setback, Hyundai remains committed to investing in the US, which is its largest single market globally, with over 1.7 million vehicles delivered in 2024 [7]. Group 3: Workforce and Visa Issues - Hyundai's CEO highlighted the necessity of bringing in skilled workers from abroad during the construction phase, noting the lack of specialized skills and equipment available in the US [5]. - The CEO expressed hope for improved visa systems to facilitate the temporary entry of skilled foreign workers for manufacturing operations, with the South Korean government also advocating for a new visa category for this purpose [6].