Gov. Brian Kemp has asked President Joe Biden to overturn a federal government ruling that a South Korean company with many employees in North Georgia stole trade secrets from a competitor.
In a news release Friday afternoon, Kemp also urged the state's congressional delegation to encourage the president to void the ruling.
The ruling from the U.S International Trade Commission against SK Industries was announced Wednesday.
"President Biden and his administration also have the opportunity to support thousands of hardworking Georgians – and their communities – who would benefit from SK Innovation’s continued success in our state," Kemp said in the release.
SK Innovation began building manufacturing facilities in North Georgia's Jackson County two years ago, and the latest expansion represents a multibillion-dollar investment. The company produces batteries for electric vehicles, and The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday's ruling could be a problem for Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen, since both plan to use SK products in their electric vehicle line.
Kemp said the ruling hampers the long-term prospects for SK Innovation's $2.6 billion facilities. Following the ruling, there is a 60-day window for presidential review.
“SK Innovation is a valued member of Georgia’s business community and a continued partner in bringing jobs and greater prosperity to the Peach State," Kemps said. "Unfortunately, the International Trade Commission’s recent ruling puts SK’s significant investment in 2,600 clean energy jobs and innovative manufacturing in peril during a pandemic that has created unprecedented challenges and hardship for countless families here in Georgia, and across the country."
SK Innovation also has the option to appeal the ruling in federal court. While the company makes a decision on what action to take, the company will be allowed to make batteries for Volkswagen for two years and for Ford for another four years. A report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said after that point, SK would be barred from importing into Georgia the parts needed to make the auto batteries.
