SK Americas Delays Layoffs at BlueOval SK Kentucky Battery Plant Amid EV Demand Adjustments

SK Americas has postponed layoffs at its BlueOval SK facility in Glendale, Kentucky, originally scheduled to begin on February 14. The layoffs, affecting around 1,500 workers, are now expected to commence by March 31 due to ongoing regulatory processes. This change follows the dissolution of the joint venture with Ford, prompted by lower-than-anticipated electric vehicle demand. Additionally, SK Battery America is laying off 958 workers in Georgia.

Published Mar 24, 2026

SK Americas has delayed layoffs at its BlueOval SK battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky, initially set for February 14, now expected to start by March 31. The layoffs involve roughly 1,500 workers and are attributed to ongoing regulatory approvals.

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This decision follows Ford and SK's December 2025 agreement to end their joint venture due to reduced EV demand. SK will operate the Tennessee plant, while a Ford subsidiary will take over the two Kentucky facilities.

Concurrently, SK Battery America plans to lay off 958 workers at its Georgia facility. Ford has also terminated a $6.5 billion supply deal with LG Energy Solution for EV battery cells.