Battery plant in Hungary reportedly recruiting Russian and Ukrainian workers after dismissing Hungarians

The SK Innovation battery plant in Iváncsa, Hungary, is reportedly undertaking a recruitment drive targeting Russian and Ukrainian speakers, following significant layoffs that primarily impacted Hungarian workers. According to multiple sources, labour agencies are actively posting advertisements in Russian and Ukrainian Facebook groups, seeking candidates for operator and translator positions with a net salary of HUF 400,000-600,000 (approximately 1,000-1,500 EUR).

Background of layoffs and production decline

This recruitment drive comes after a period of significant workforce reduction at SK Innovation’s Hungarian operations, Telex reports. In May of last year, the South Korean company, which operates battery plants in both Komárom and Iváncsa, let go of 600 external workers, primarily Kyrgyz, due to declining orders. Subsequently, over 500 internal employees, mostly Hungarian, were also laid off, largely through mutual agreement, though some were terminated.

According to the Hungarian news portal, Hungary’s battery production peaked in October 2023, but has since steadily declined, falling to less than half of that peak by January of this year. This downturn led to workforce reductions at both Samsung in Göd and SK Innovation, with rumours circulating in recent months about the potential closure of one of SK Innovation’s Komárom plants.

Production resurgence and recruitment

However, recent information suggests a potential turnaround. Sources indicate that SK Innovation has decided to ramp up production in Hungary. There are reports of a substantial new order, with some suggesting that multiple customers placed significantly larger orders than before within a short timeframe.