Gov. Nathan Deal, Gov.-elect Brian Kemp, and SK innovation CEO Jun Kim – whose company recently announced it will create more than 2,000 jobs and invest more than $1.67 billion in a new manufacturing Plant in Jackson County – last week announced the company will donate $60,000 to the Empower College and Career Center, a charter high school in Jackson County scheduled to begin operations in 2021.
Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Pat Wilson and Jackson County Commission Chairman Tom Crow also welcomed SK innovation’s contribution to education.
The Jackson County Development Authority (JCDA) will match the company’s funding through its Education Matching Grant and donate $60,000 to Commerce City Schools to support S.T.E.A.M programs for all grade levels.
“As the No. 1 state for business six times over, Georgia has become a preferred location for international industry leaders like SK innovation to access the North American market,” said Deal. “The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise both in the United States and around the world and SK innovation’s battery business is at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry.”
During Deal’s tenure as Governor, Georgia added 818,000 net new jobs, largely as a result of investments by companies like SK innovation, the state’s skilled workforce, strong partnerships between local governments and the state, and a low-tax business climate.
“SK innovation’s $1.67 billion investment will create a ripple effect for local businesses,” added Governor-elect Kemp. “With more than 2,000 jobs, this investment will create lasting opportunities for Jackson County – and the surrounding communities. We are grateful for companies like SK innovation who have Georgia on their mind. The future is bright for all who proudly call this state their home.”
Deal and Kemp met with SK innovation together in November to express Georgia’s current and future commitment to work closely with the company as it creates the largest single investment and job-creating project announced in the state’s history.
SK innovation, a subsidiary of the SK Group, employs more than 6,500 individuals worldwide. SK innovation started the development of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles in 2005 and began production in 2006. Customers for SK innovation’s battery business include Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai-Kia Motors.
SK innovation’s new manufacturing plant will be constructed in two phases, with both phases adding approximately 1,000,000 square feet of manufacturing space and the hiring of more than 1,000 advanced manufacturing employees.
