ATLANTA, GA – The construction of Hyundai's new battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, is expected to be delayed by at least two to three months following a U.S. immigration enforcement action. The incident, which led to the detention of over 300 workers, has forced the company to reassess its timeline.

Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Muñoz confirmed the setback, stating the incident would cause a "minimum two to three-month delay." Most of the detained workers, predominantly South Korean nationals, have since returned home on a chartered flight.

Muñoz explained the necessity of specialized foreign personnel for the factory's construction, noting that "many of the skills and equipment cannot be obtained in the U.S." He added that the company now faces the challenge of finding replacements for the returning workers.

An industry expert noted that the incident highlights potential challenges for other companies dispatching technical staff to the U.S. to build local facilities, warning that visa issues could cause production disruptions across various sectors.

In the interim, Hyundai plans to procure electric vehicle batteries from other suppliers, such as the SK On plant in Commerce, Georgia.

Hyundai Group Chairman Euisun Chung expressed relief that the workers were safely home, stating, "I'm really glad they're safely back home."

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