A small Michigan township is fighting back against plans to open a new electric vehicle battery plant amid concerns about the parent company’s reported ties to China.
Local officials in Green Charter Township gave the proposal the green light recently, despite concerns over its close proximity to a U.S. military base.
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Residents have been outspoken in their objections to Gotion Inc.’s $2.4 billion facility’s construction, which is now underway. The company has ties to Beijing through its Beijing-based parent company, Guoxuan High-Tech, which recently purchased a large portion of land in the Grand Rapids area.
Others in recent weeks have vocalized their disbelief with the close proximity of the battery plant to the Michigan Army National Guard base — just minutes south.
A number of the city’s local elected leaders became involved when issues of jurisdiction were cited as federal officials told residents they did not have proper jurisdiction to review the construction of the plant.
The federal officials did, however, call on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and the state Senate to put a stop to the plant’s construction.
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In response to local, state, and federal concerns, the U.S.-based Gotion Inc. attempted to reassure the local community in a statement.
The company said it will continue to listen to the statements from the Green Charter Township community as they look to erect the factory, bringing with it about 2,000 jobs.
