[Exclusive] Kwon Young-soo to Visit Ochang Plant One Day After Taking Office at LG Energy Solution

Daejeon LG Energy Solution Technology Research Institute Also Scheduled for Visit
Plans to Hold a Communication Session to Hear Employees' Opinions

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Kwon Young-soo, Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Energy Solution, will visit the Ochang plant and the Daejeon Technology Research Institute just one day after his inauguration. Kwon’s immediate visit to the sites is seen as a sign of his special attention to production sites and research and development (R&D), as well as his confidence in dispelling concerns raised by recent battery fires.

According to the industry on the 2nd, Kwon will visit the Ochang plant located in Cheongju, Chungbuk, in the morning. He will personally tour the electric vehicle battery production line and spend time communicating with employees. On the 3rd, he is scheduled to visit the LG Energy Solution Technology Research Institute in Daejeon.

Typically, a new CEO visits the site after completing a business status report, but Kwon is known to visit the plant and research institute over two days just one day after his inauguration. Since 2012, Kwon has directly led the battery business as head of LG Chem’s battery division (President).

The Ochang plant, which Kwon visits first after his inauguration, is called the triangular hub of ‘domestic battery research and development and production technology’ along with the Capital Region Research Institute and LG Energy Solution Technology Research Institute. This reflects LG Energy Solution’s confidence in its battery technology and product manufacturing. Kwon’s statement in his inaugural speech that "there is no need to be intimidated by the recent quality issues" aligns with this context.

Established in 2004, the 1st Ochang plant produces electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems (ESS), and small batteries, and the 2nd Ochang plant is currently under expansion. The 2nd Ochang plant is planned to be developed as an advanced base for smart factories, including a pilot production line for next-generation battery development.

After completing his domestic site visits and receiving business status reports, Kwon is expected to finalize the regular personnel appointments scheduled for the end of this month. Subsequently, he is anticipated to officially begin preparations for the initial public offering (IPO) starting in December.

An LG Energy Solution official said, "Since Kwon has experience as the president of the battery business, he stated in his inaugural speech that he will work as a ‘supporter’ rather than a ‘firefighter,’" adding, "He is an executive who listens to frank opinions, so there are high expectations internally."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.