Hyundai Steel is poised to commence operations at its electric vehicle (EV) steel processing plant in Georgia, USA, this September, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to support the rapidly growing EV market. This strategic move comes as Hyundai Motor Group advances its EV production timeline at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), set to start in October this year, well ahead of the originally planned first quarter of 2025.
The expedited schedule for Hyundai Motor Group’s EV production has necessitated an earlier start for Hyundai Steel’s local processing facility. “Hyundai Steel is planning to start operating its EV-dedicated steel processing plant in Georgia this September,” confirmed a company spokesperson. This new facility, known as the Steel Service Center (SSC), will specifically supply steel sheets tailored for EVs.
The Georgia SSC will be Hyundai Steel’s second coil center in the USA, following its Alabama plant. Initially scheduled for completion in August, the SSC is now expected to be operational ahead of time. Equipped with one slitter and two blanking lines, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons per slitter and 8 million sheets per blanking line. This capacity is designed to fully meet the HMGMA’s annual EV production scale of 250,000 units.
“SSC will have the necessary equipment, including one slitter and two blanking lines,” Hyundai Steel stated. “The annual production capacity is expected to be sufficient to support Hyundai Motor Group’s HMGMA annual EV production scale of 250,000 units.” The company also aims to supply EV steel sheets to other automakers, further expanding its market presence.
Hyundai Steel’s investment in the SSC is part of a larger strategy to bolster its EV-related steel business in response to the rising demand for EVs in Europe and the USA. The company has been at the forefront of technological advancements to support its EV initiatives, including the mass production of 1.8GPa ultra-high-strength hot stamping steel sheets in 2022 and the development of the world’s first 1.0GPa-grade electric furnace hot stamping steel sheets for automobiles in 2023.
“Hyundai Steel is enhancing its EV-related steel business to respond to the growing EV demand in Europe and the USA,” the spokesperson added. “We are also actively developing technology to support our EV business.” This includes the recent completion of an order for new heat treatment equipment to be introduced at the Dangjin Steelworks’ 2nd cold rolling plant, with plans to start commercial production of third-generation steel sheets in the second quarter of next year.
The establishment of the SSC in Georgia aligns with Hyundai Motor Group’s broader global expansion efforts, particularly in North America. The group’s aggressive investments in the region, including manufacturing plants and service centers, are aimed at meeting the increasing consumer demand for EVs and adhering to stringent environmental regulations.
The global shift towards electric vehicles, driven by environmental concerns and stringent regulations to reduce carbon emissions, has significantly increased the demand for specialized materials and components. Hyundai Steel’s innovations, such as the development of ultra-high-strength hot stamping steel and electric furnace hot stamping steel, are crucial in meeting these requirements, providing lightweight yet robust materials that enhance performance and safety.
The economic and industrial impact of Hyundai Steel’s new plant in Georgia is also significant. The facility is expected to create jobs, boost the local economy, and strengthen the industrial base, underscoring the importance of such investments in the broader context of the automotive and steel industries.
As Hyundai Steel prepares to start operations at its new plant, the company remains committed to supporting the EV market and advancing its technological capabilities. “We are dedicated to enhancing our EV-related steel business and developing the necessary technology to support this growing market,” the spokesperson concluded. With the SSC in Georgia set to begin operations soon, Hyundai Steel is well-positioned to play a crucial role in the future of electric vehicle manufacturing.
