SK IE Technology (SKIET), a South Korean specialist in battery materials, has secured an order to supply separator films for 300,000 electric vehicles to LG Chem by 2025. The films, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, will eventually be delivered to LG Energy Solution (LGES) facilities in North America.
According to South Korean media reports, the first batch of separator films was shipped to LG Chem this month. LG Chem will handle the coating process before transferring the finished separators to LGESās battery production sites. Positioned between the anode and cathode in battery cells, separator films play a key safety role by preventing short circuits while allowing the passage of lithium ions.
See also: Korean Research Team Develops Lithium Metal Battery with Enhanced Safety and Longevity
The deal comes as LGES prepares for a significant production ramp-up across several U.S. sites. The companyāGeneral Motorsā joint venture partner in Ultium Cellsāhas assumed full ownership of the Ultium Clees factory in Michigan, is collaborating with Hyundai on a cell facility in Georgia, and plans to launch its own battery factory in Arizona by early 2026. The agreement with SKIET is viewed as part of LGESās broader strategy to strengthen its North American supply chain ahead of these expansions.
The order, reportedly valued at 110 billion won (approximately ā¬66.8 million), is priced below market average. However, higher production volumes are expected to boost SKIETās factory utilization and operational efficiency. “This order was mainly due to quality competitiveness as well as price competitiveness due to tariffs imposed on Chinese products,” a company representative said, highlighting the impact of trade policy on supply chain decisions.
See also: Ecopro in Talks to Produce Sodium-ion Battery Materials for South Korean Carmaker
Earlier this year, SKIET signed a similar deal with Chinese battery maker Gotion High-Tech to supply separator films for its manufacturing operations in Slovakia and Illinois, signaling growing international demand for SKIETās separator technology.