GM-LG Battery Venture Ultium Cells Delays Return of Ohio Workers to August

Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors (NYSE: GM) and LG Energy Solution, will push back the return of temporarily laid-off workers at its Warren, Ohio, battery plant to August 2026, citing continued weakness in electric vehicle demand. The employees, who have been on leave since January, were previously expected back in June. The company confirmed the delay on May 29, 2026, after an internal announcement reviewed by Reuters indicated the decision followed a detailed analysis of the EV market this year. Last fall, Ultium placed 850 workers on temporary layoff and permanently cut 480 positions. Only a small number returned to the idled plant this month. The move reflects a broader pullback in EV production after the loss of a $7,500 federal tax credit in late September 2025. Automakers, including GM, have reduced factory output to align with softening consumer demand.