Seoul: LG Energy Solution Ltd. (LGES), South Korea's leading battery maker, announced on Tuesday that it is contemplating the purchase of General Motors Co.'s stake in their joint venture battery plant located in Lansing, Michigan. This strategic move aims to enhance the operational efficiency of its U.S. facilities and optimize the utilization rate of the Michigan plant. According to Yonhap News Agency, the joint venture (JV) plant with General Motors, named Ultium Cells JV 3, is currently under construction in Michigan and is slated to commence operations next year. GM has also revealed plans to divest its stake in the Lansing plant to LGES as part of its strategy to recalibrate its electric vehicle plans in response to a downturn in EV sales. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized early next year. The Ultium Cells joint venture between LGES and GM already operates two other plants, the first in Ohio and the second in Tennessee. This acquisition would further solidify LGES's footprint in the U.S. battery manufacturing sector, aligning with its broader expansion goals.