MARSHALL, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Ford Motor Company confirmed that it is ceasing construction at its BlueOval Battery Park plant in Marshall. 

“We’re pausing work, and we’re going to limit spending on construction at Marshall until we’re confident about our ability to competitively run the plant,” Ford spokesman T.R. Reid told the Detroit News on Monday. 

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Former Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, who co-leads the Michigan – China Economic and Security Review Group, said to Michigan News Source in an interview, “We don’t know exactly why Ford is pausing, but it’s a huge development.” He went on to say, “Grassroots have been fighting it, our representatives in Lansing, in Washington have been fighting this, it’s a national security issue, it’s an economic security issued, and it’s a job security issue for UAW workers.” 

He also weighed in on what this could mean for other EV developments in the state, including Gotion in Big Rapids. 

“We’re not going to take a pause in fighting the Gotion plant, but we’re going to get renewed energy that we can win on this,” he added, “I think we’re going to win on the Gotion plant, too.” 

The project halt comes several months after scrutiny by U.S. Representatives who sent a joint letter to Ford voicing security concerns regarding its relationship with foreign Chinese Battery Company, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL). 

House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland) shared his position on the announcement: 

“After failing to land other high-profile Ford deals, Gov. Whitmer gave away the store to bring Ford to Marshall,” Representative Hall said. “But the Democrats are pushing policies that make Michigan less competitive, the $1.7 billion in subsidies and tax incentives still fell short. The Democrat majority is aggressively rushing the far-left agenda to make it even harder for businesses and workers to compete in our state — extreme energy mandates that will bring higher electricity costs, a burdensome new payroll tax, and red tape that will outlaw independent contractors and impose a confusing patchwork of local restrictions. democrats‘ agenda is destroying industry, and Michigan workers who lose out on careers will pay the price.” 

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the $3.5 billion plant in her recent “What’s Next?” address in addition to the Gotion plant. 

Gov. Whitmer said, “These new Battery plants will be game changers: supporting thousands of families, uplifting local businesses, and ensuring our cities and towns thrive for decades to come. They’ll help Michigan go toe to toe with China, bringing critical parts of the auto supply chain home. We must reduce our reliance on Chinese products, which have caused work stoppages, shortages, and car price hikes over the last few years.” 

Michigan News Source is following the story and will continue to add updates here.