Governor Brian Kemp is pushing on the Biden administration to review a recent decision by the International Trade Commission that will negatively impact a Georgia business.
Kemp issued the statement Friday after the International Trade Commission (ITC) imposed a 10-year ban on SK Innovation for “the importation, domestic production, and sale of electric vehicle batteries within the US” because of intellectual property theft from rival LG Chem, Automotive Logistics reported.
AL also reported:
“It’s as much the reputational damage as the actual loss of business. OEMs may be reluctant to sign new supply agreements with SK Innovation for fear of a similar scenario occurring. On the business side, the two planned SK Innovation plants in Georgia, US, were intended to produce over 21 GWh worth of batteries combined by 2022, representing a substantial expansion of SKI’s global production capacity.“
Kemp’s office said that short of Presidential review, the long-term prospects of SK Innovation’s $2.6 billion electric vehicle battery production facility in Jackson County, Georgia, would be harmed significantly. Following the ITC’s order, there is a 60-day window for Presidential review during which time the Biden administration may overturn the findings that would affect SK, along with its customers, Ford and Volkswagen.
“SK Innovation is a valued member of Georgia’s business community and a continued partner in bringing jobs and greater prosperity to the Peach State. Unfortunately, the International Trade Commission’s recent ruling puts SK’s significant investment in 2,600 clean energy jobs and innovative manufacturing in peril during a pandemic that has created unprecedented challenges and hardship for countless families here in Georgia, and across the country.
“Litigation in these disputes is always complex, and there are several additional levels of review prior to a final resolution – along with the possibility of a settlement. President Biden and his administration also have the opportunity to support thousands of hardworking Georgians – and their communities – who would benefit from SK Innovation’s continued success in our state. I sincerely hope Georgia’s congressional delegation will join me in advocating for swift presidential action.”
SK Innovation’s plants would not be permitted to operate in four year’s time, meaning the only option for the real estate would be to sell, lease, or license it to another battery manufacturer.
