Gotion submits site plan for electric vehicle battery plant to county commission

MECOSTA COUNTY, Mich. — Gotion Inc. submitted a site plan application for review to the Mecosta County Planning Commission and publicly revealed its latest site plan on Friday. 

Once the application receives approval, Gotion is scheduled to build a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Green Charter Township. 

Community members against the project have voiced concerns about the company's possible ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

However, Gotion's Vice President of North American Affairs, Chuck Thelen, has said that Gotion Inc. is a subsidiary of its Chinese parent company and is independent from any communist influence.

"Has the communist party penetrated this company? No," Thelen said in April 2023. "Do we have articles of incorporation that require a specific paragraph where you don't do business in the country of China? Yes."

In addition to approval of the site application, Gotion is trying to get a soil erosion and sedimentation control permit through the Mecosta County Drain Commission. 

The new site plan includes the protection of more than 60 acres of land to preserve wildlife habitat and water quality benefits. 

“A tremendous amount of thought and planning went into designing our facility and property, and we greatly appreciate the input from Mecosta County officials as we move forward with the local review and permitting process,” Thelen said. “Along with gaining valuable insight from the county, we continue to intently listen to local residents as well. Our ultimate goal is to be great neighbors for people in the region while creating the best working environment for our employees.”

The plan also includes elements such as implementing a recycling program of raw materials and adhering to a dark sky design. 

Gotion said company officials have met with Mecosta County officials to prepare for the application and have visited the property several times. 

Gotion also said it plans to apply for any necessary state and federal permits through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the coming weeks.

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now. 

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.