As ‘localization’ becomes a dominant trend due to the Trump administration’s tariff policies, SK On, which has forecasted growth in the North American market this year, is ramping up preparations to operate battery joint venture (JV) plants with automakers.

According to industry sources on the 7th, BlueOval SK, a battery production JV between SK On and Ford Motor Company, recently completed the installation of signage on the exterior of its Kentucky Plant 1, displaying the company name and the slogan, “Let’s Electrify the Future of Mobility.”

BlueOval SK is currently constructing three plants in the U.S.—Kentucky Plants 1 and 2, and a Tennessee plant—with Kentucky Plant 1 and the Tennessee plant scheduled to begin operations this year and next year, respectively.

The joint venture plants are reportedly in the midst of foundational work for operations, including expanding community engagement and securing talent.

BlueOval SK has already hired over 1,200 employees, with an initial group of 350 recently stationed at the Tennessee plant to begin production preparations, such as equipment inspections.

The company has also been holding town hall meetings to share its vision and production goals with employees.

In addition, preparations for the battery joint venture plant in Bartow County, Georgia, which SK On is building with Hyundai Motor Group and targeting operations in the first half of next year, are progressing smoothly.

This plant, with an annual production capacity of 35 GWh—enough to supply batteries for up to 300,000 electric vehicles (EVs)—represents a total investment of $5 billion (approximately 7 trillion KRW).

The JV, named HSAGP Energy, is actively recruiting and training the workforce needed for the plant.

Last month, HSAGP Energy held a signing ceremony for the launch of a “talent development program” at the Quick Start Training Complex in Cartersville, Georgia, in collaboration with Georgia Quick Start and Chattahoochee Technical College.

Quick Start is a flagship incentive program of the Georgia state government, in operation since 1967.

HSAGP Energy plans to provide new hires with job-specific training in production and maintenance, as well as theoretical and practical education to enhance expertise, quality, productivity, and safety, in partnership with Quick Start and Chattahoochee Technical College.

Furthermore, HSAGP Energy is engaging with the Cartersville community to raise its local presence and has posted job openings on its website and social media platforms.

An industry insider stated, “Having accumulated local production experience and know-how through SK Battery America in the U.S., SK On is leading battery production at these joint venture plants with automakers, generating high expectations locally. As localization becomes critical due to tariffs, these U.S. plants, once fully operational, will play a significant role in strengthening the North American EV value chain.”