Celebrating a Milestone: Five Years of LG Energy Solution in Wrocław - A Regional Investment Marvel
Marking its fifth anniversary, LG Energy Solution's Wrocław facility has emerged as a cornerstone in the region with an investment surpassing €3 billion. This pivotal move has propelled Poland to the forefront as the prime exporter of automotive batteries within the European Union, with the Wrocław site standing as the continent's top battery producer for electric vehicles.
The Wrocław complex plays a crucial role in powering electric vehicles from leading car manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The highlights of LG Energy Solution's venture in Wrocław include:
- An expansive operation featuring dozens of production lines.
- A workforce exceeding 9,500 employees.
- A sprawling site covering one hundred hectares.
- An investment that tops the €3 billion mark.
The electric vehicle and battery sectors have seen rapid growth, with Poland establishing itself as a dominant force in the European market, outpacing Germany. This achievement is largely credited to LG Energy Solution's strategic investment in Biskupice Podgórne, near Wrocław, which has significantly contributed to Poland's leadership in electromobility and battery production.
Jacek Sutryk, President of Wrocław, lauded the initiative, highlighting LG Energy Solution Wrocław's status as a leading employer and its substantial contribution to the regional economy and cultural landscape, enriching the community through its Korean ties.
In a short span of five years, LG Energy Solution Wrocław has not only become Europe's largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer for electric vehicles but also a global leader, supplying batteries to major automotive players like Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Porsche, and Volkswagen.
Sukwon Choi, CEO of LG Energy, emphasized the company's pivotal role in advancing the electric vehicle sector, foreseeing a rapid development trajectory and aspiring for global leadership driven by employee dedication and innovation.
Initiated in 2016, LG's venture aimed to inject 1.3 billion PLN into the Kobierzyce commune, near Wrocław, and to build a significant workforce. Production commenced in 2017, with the facility now sprawling over a million square meters and poised for further expansion to reach a capacity of 100 GWh, making it a key player in the electric vehicle supply chain.
LG Chem, LG Energy Solution's parent company, has been a pioneer in automotive battery technology since 2000, becoming the first to supply to Hyundai Motors and the exclusive supplier for General Motors. This legacy of innovation and growth underscores the strategic expansions across Korea, the USA, China, and, notably, Wrocław, Poland - making it a landmark EU hub for car battery exports.
Recent figures reveal a booming EV sector, with Poland's battery exports for electric cars hitting nearly €4 billion in 2020, signifying a substantial leap and marking 1.7% of the nation's total export value. LG Energy Solution Wrocław's contribution has not only solidified Poland's stature in cutting-edge technology but also fostered job creation and attracted further investment, positioning the country at the helm of Europe's green automotive future.