The Korean battery manufacturer setting up shop in Jackson County now will donate $60,000 to the newest charter high school in the county.
Georgia dignitaries, including Governor Nathan Deal and Governor-Elect Brian Kemp, welcomed SK innovation and CEO Jun Kim to Georgia Friday morning, and announced the donation with other state dignitaries.
The money will benefit the new charter high school Empower College and Career Center, which will begin operations in 2021. The Jackson County Development Authority will match the funding through the Education Matching Grant, and donate $60,000 to Commerce City Schools to support S.T.E.A.M. programs at all grade levels.
“We are thrilled that SK innovation made the decision to build their new facility in Jackson County, and furthered their commitment to the region by donating to Empower College and Career Center,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We work hard to put forth a unified effort at every level in order to bring quality jobs to Georgia, and we are proud to be a part of the team that successfully brought this great company to our state.”
In November of 2018, Governor Nathan Deal announced the company would create more than 2,000 jobs and invest over $1.67 billion in a new manufacturing plant in Jackson County, at the Commerce 85 Business Park.
“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. From the time I took office in January 2011 through November 2018, Georgia saw the creation of more than 818,000 net new jobs, largely as a result of investments by companies like SK innovation, our skilled workforce, strong partnerships between local governments and the state, and a low-tax business climate that is conducive to manufacturing.
“Today’s announcement reflects SK innovation’s commitment to creating social benefits through good business. Just as we appreciate such significant investments in our communities, we are deeply thankful for corporate citizens like SK innovation that are willing to invest in our collective future, not just for business, but for the good of those who call Georgia home.”
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.
