Hyundai Motor Company, in partnership with LG Energy Solution, is expanding its footprint in the United States by constructing a state-of-the-art battery plant in Georgia. This facility is not just an isolated effort. It boasts a purpose-built, world-class manufacturing campus focused entirely on electric vehicles—all tied together along a multi-hundred acre campus. The stakes are high following recent immigration raids that led many to question the fate of workers on site at the under construction casino.
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution are entering this electrifying new era together with a revolutionary joint venture, HL-GA Battery Co. This partnership represents a historic investment in American manufacturing. Hyundai had only promised to invest $21 billion onshoring operations between 2025 and 2028. They subsequently deepened their commitment to a truly impressive $26 billion. This new initiative will result in the production of approximately 25,000 new direct, family supporting jobs over four years. It has certainly been one of the largest and most high-profile manufacturing projects in Georgia’s history.
Hyundai’s operations in the United States are massive, with numerous plants already up and running across the Southern United States. The new battery plant will go hand in hand with their electric vehicle manufacturing facility as they expand their efforts to produce more sustainable transportation solutions.
The project has encountered challenges. Last month, local law enforcement carried out immigration raids at the construction site, detaining dozens of workers in the process. This has led to pointed responses and pushback from the highest levels of company officials and affected government representatives.
“The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated.” – Lee Jae-woong
Hyundai and LG Energy Solution have unequivocally reiterated their intentions to work thoroughly with law enforcement on the developments that led to this. Mary Beth Kennedy, a spokeswoman for Hyundai, said the automaker is cooperating with law enforcement and other authorities.
“We are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities regarding activity at our construction site. To assist their work, we have paused construction. We do not have further details at this time.” – Mary Beth Kennedy
In response to the immigration raids, Steven Schrank, an official involved in the operation, indicated that many arrests were made concerning undocumented individuals.
“We are making many arrests of undocumented individuals.” – Steven Schrank
An official in the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties underlined why accountability is critical in these types of investigations.
“This investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for those who violate the law and upholding the rule of law. Complex cases like this require strong collaboration and extensive investigative efforts.” – ICE spokesperson
That ultra-aggressive focus on non-union contractors construction site has almost everything questioned labor practices and compliance with immigration regulations. Michael Stewart, creative industries representative and board member, attempted to assure stakeholders with the board’s dedication to operating within legal parameters.
“We are cooperating with law enforcement and are committed to abiding by all labor and immigration regulations.” – Michael Stewart