LG Energy Solution Resumes Georgia Plant Construction After Visa Boost
LG Energy Solution has announced plans to resume construction of its battery manufacturing plant in Georgia, US, following a recent halt due to worker arrests. The company welcomed new visa measures aimed at facilitating Korean investments in the US.
On Sept. 4, 475 workers were arrested at the construction site of HL-GA, a joint battery manufacturing plant between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Ellabell, Georgia. The plant is being built in Bryan County, south of Savannah. The incident led to a temporary halt in construction.
In response to this incident and other visa-related concerns, the US and South Korean officials launched a Korea-US business trip and visa working group. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two countries and facilitate investments. As a result, the US reaffirmed that Korean workers can use B-1 visa and ESTA for Korean companies' US investments. LG Energy Solution has welcomed these developments, including the establishment of a Korean Investor Desk at the US Embassy in Seoul to address visa issues.
LG Energy Solution has expressed its commitment to normalizing construction at its Georgia plant, with the company's spokesperson stating, 'We are working diligently to resolve the issues and resume operations as soon as possible.' The company views the new visa measures as a positive step towards fostering a more favorable investment environment in the USA.
