Latest news with #GotionInc.
Epoch Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Michigan Town Asks Appeals Court to Allow It to Stop Chinese Battery Plant Project
A small Michigan town, Green Charter Township, took its fight against a Chinese-owned battery plant to the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio on May 8. The case highlights growing unease on the local, state, and federal levels regarding Chinese land purchases in rural areas, especially those near military facilities or sensitive infrastructure. In the Gotion Inc. v. Green Charter Township case, arguments on May 8 centered on whether the township breached its agreements with Gotion and a lower court's preliminary injunction ordering the township to fulfill those agreements. The controversy surrounding the case began when community members voiced concerns about Gotion's ties with China after the township board voted to support the project in 2022. Gotion Inc. of California is a wholly owned and controlled subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech Inc., a battery manufacturer headquartered in China. Project leaders have Related Stories 7/5/2024 4/4/2025 In November 2023, the township's residents recalled the entire board that supported the project and replaced them with new members. Green Township's supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and two trustees—all Republicans—were replaced by challengers. One week after the election, at their first meeting in November, the new board rescinded a resolution that the previous board had passed to route water directly from the Big Rapids city system to the Gotion site. The five officials who were replaced participated in a 7–0 vote in December 2022 to approve the Gotion project in Mecosta County. Gotion filed a federal lawsuit in March 2024, alleging that the township broke the development agreement, which requires the township to assist the company in obtaining the permits and authorizations needed for the project. According to court documents, Gotion claims that the township rescinded a water extension agreement resolution, making it impossible to obtain the water needed to complete the project and thereby breaking the agreement. Last spring, District Judge Jane Beckering approved a preliminary injunction requiring the township to comply with the development agreement for the $2.36 billion project until the case was resolved. During appellate court arguments on May 8, Robert Dube, of the Michigan law firm of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes, argued that the township has the right to revoke any water deal under Michigan law. Dube told the three-judge panel that while Gotion could seek damages, the contract was subject to future ordinances and laws that might impact the agreement. He added that Gotion never applied for a single permit from the township, so the company cannot blame the township for the lack of development. 'They haven't even applied for zoning,' he said during the hearing. 'We don't think Gotion has shown that they have the damages they're claiming.' Scott Hamilton, an attorney for Dickinson Wright of Michigan, appeared on Gotion's behalf. He said Gotion's deal with the township had been years in the making and involved contracts with the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Department of Economic Development. He said those contracts, along with tax incentives, attracted Gotion to Costa County in Michigan, specifically to Green Charter Township. 'They essentially said, Gotion, please come and build your facility here, and we will give you all of these incentives to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars,' Hamilton said. If Gotion can't continue with the project, it will suffer 'irreparable' harm, he claimed, because of its obligations with other entities within the state. 'You can't calculate the domino effect,' he said. After the hearing, the town's supervisor, Jason Kruse, who attended the hearing, commended its attorneys. 'Our legal team has done an excellent job defending Green Charter Township, and I look forward to the judge's opinion,' Jason Kruse, Green Township supervisor, told The Epoch Times. Gotion's attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Gotion Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Clean Energy Amid Trade Tensions
Summary: Gotion is investing over $2 billion in U.S. battery manufacturing, creating thousands of jobs in Illinois and supporting America's clean energy goals amid U.S.-China trade tensions. FREMONT, Calif., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gotion Inc., a global leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology and energy solutions, is reaffirming its commitment to America's clean energy future. By pioneering the onshoring of battery energy storage systems manufacturing, including electric vehicles, Gotion is demonstrating how economic growth, job creation, and resilient supply chains can thrive through international cooperation. As the United States and China navigate a challenging trade environment, Gotion's expanding U.S. footprint stands as a testament to the benefits of engagement and mutual respect. The company's investments highlight how collaboration can deliver tangible benefits to communities and industries in both countries. Accelerating U.S. Clean Energy Manufacturing: Local Sourcing, Workforce Investment, and Supply Chain Resilience Gotion's investments are powering a new era of U.S. clean energy manufacturing, creating thousands of jobs and showcasing how U.S.-China economic collaboration can drive innovation and growth. By adopting a 'Local for Local' strategy, Gotion's goal is to source the majority of materials and equipment from U.S. suppliers, strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting American businesses. In Manteno, Illinois, Gotion's flagship $2 billion gigafactory is set to become the largest battery energy storage systems investment in Illinois history. Once complete, the 153-acre facility will produce 35 GWh of battery cells and 25 GWh of battery packs annually and is expected to create up to 2,600 new high-quality jobs in the region. The state-of-the-art facility is in final testing now, and is working towards full operations by the end of the year, supporting the rapid growth of the U.S. renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors. 'Our commitment goes beyond building factories – we are investing in people, communities, and the future of American manufacturing,' said Mark Kreusel, Vice President of Manufacturing and Head of Gotion's Manteno plant. 'By creating thousands of high-quality jobs, partnering with U.S. suppliers, and strengthening local economies, we are helping position America at the forefront of clean energy innovation.' Over 150 full-time employees have already joined the Manteno team. With ongoing job fairs and comprehensive training initiatives – including partnerships with regional community colleges – Gotion is preparing the local workforce for future-ready roles. As the facility enters its second phase, Gotion plans to hire approximately 700 contractors from the local construction and trades sectors to support continued development. With a dedicated R&D center in Independence, Ohio, near Cleveland, Gotion is quickly advancing next-generation battery technologies and supporting the U.S. transition to renewable energy. Commitment to Transparency and Community Fuels American Clean Energy Leadership 'Gotion's commitment to transparency, collaboration, and community impact are at the heart of our U.S. operations,' said Mark Kreusel. 'We operate in full compliance with American laws and regulations, working closely with federal, state, and local stakeholders to forge robust partnerships that drive clean energy innovation and bolster American manufacturing.' Through alliances with industry leaders and local suppliers, Gotion is advancing the onshoring of battery production, strengthening the domestic supply chain, and supporting the creation of sustainable career pathways for local residents. A Pathway to De-escalation and Shared Prosperity 'Gotion's story shows what's possible when we work together,' said Benjamin Howes, Managing Director of Gotion's U.S. Government Affairs. 'We invite policymakers to see how investment, job creation, and clean energy leadership can deliver real results for American communities.' As both countries face the high costs of ongoing tariffs and strained communications, Gotion's approach offers a way forward: demonstrating that economic collaboration can deliver results without compromising national interests. 'Gotion stands ready to serve as a catalyst for renewed engagement,' said Benjamin Howes. 'We support a future where the U.S. and China work together to address global challenges and drive sustainable growth.' About Gotion Inc. Gotion Inc., headquartered in Fremont, California, is a global leader in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Gotion is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting America's clean energy future through innovation, investment, and local partnerships. For more information about Gotion Inc. and its initiatives, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Gotion
