Gotion announced last year it would build a battery parts plant in Big Rapids and create up to 2,350 jobs across four new manufacturing plants spanning a combined 2 million square feet. It was approved for $715 million in state incentives.
Since then, the project has been subject to some opposition, primarily for its ties to China and environmental concerns.
The company notified the Big Rapids Township board of trustees this week that it would not focus on the township property, the Big Rapids Pioneer reported Friday.
Last week, the Big Rapids Township board voted to have the township's attorney request a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
"They keep saying it's China; it's the Chinese …" Big Rapids Township Supervisor Bill Stanek told Crain's last week in reference to those opposing the plant. "They're just worried about the future, basically is what it is. We don't know what the future is gonna be, and they're determined to make sure that we don't have anything coming to our town."
Last week, Stanek said board opposition could cause the company to take the entire project to Green Township. Such a move would cause Big Rapids Township to lose more than $1 million from the sale of the land and a water tower.
Stanek could not be reached for comment Feb. 24.
The Big Rapids Township board appears to be the sole pocket of resistance to the project, which has support from the city of Big Rapids, Green Township and Mecosta County, Chapman said. The township voted unanimously a month ago in favor of a resolution to support the plant.
"Eighteen Mile Road is an arbitrary line," Chapman said of the road that bisects the counties and original project footprint. "The goal is to bring this project to the community. It's important to the community, the county and the region. The fact that its north of, south of, or both sides of one blacktop road is not relevant."
