LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer designated this week as Michigan Supply Chain Week as she highlights some of the state’s recent successes with several industries.

“As Michigan continues to bring supply chains home and make our state a top destination for business investment, I am proud to proclaim Michigan Supply Chain Week,” said Governor Whitmer. “This week we acknowledge the progress we have made in attracting and retaining supply chain operations and celebrate the status of Michigan as a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Let’s keep working to bring supply chains home, create good-paying jobs, and lead the future of critical industries.”

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Gov. Whitmer shared that Michigan has the highest density of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in the country.

“Michigan Supply Chain Week presents an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the dedication, hard work, and innovation of all those involved in creating and sustaining the supply chains that drive our economy forward, and recommit our efforts to bring supply chains back home to Michigan, bolstering local industries and communities,” she said in a statement.

Former Emphasis on Michigan’s Electric Vehicle Success:

During the governor’s ‘What’s Next Address’ she underscored the importance of becoming self-reliant in the EV industry supply chain.

“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,” Gov. Whitmer said. “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.”

Though she shied away from mentioning Gotion Inc. and Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Plant which will use China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. LTD (CATL) technology at its Marshall plant; both projects have come under scrutiny for their ties to China, and the potential security risks therein. Ford responded to a proposed investigation by several U.S. Congressmen to the Biden administration.

The company said it follows “all government regulations across our business” and added: “Ford suppliers are required to meet our higher standards, including for protecting human rights, and obligated to extend those requirements to suppliers with whom they might work,” according to Reuters.

Michigan Legislators Seeks Thorough Review of the Ford-CATL Project:

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On Wednesday, legislators associated with Michigan’s Working Group for National Security voiced concerns for the Ford-CATL project, in part because of congressional hearings about the company’s ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“Michigan cannot afford to overlook the risks associated with partnering with CATL on the Marshall battery plant,” said State Representative Will Bruck (R-Erie), co-chair of the Michigan Legislature’s Working Group for National Security. “We must ensure that our economic development efforts align with our values and national security interests.”

Co-Chair, Representative Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), also highlighted in a statement that the CEO of CATL, Robin Zeng, is a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, an advisory body to the CCP.

“We have a duty to prioritize the well-being and security of our state and the people we represent,” said Rep. Meerman in a statement. “The Ford-CATL project warrants careful reassessment in light of the alarming information emerging about CATL’s operations and affiliations.”

The group also highlighted that the project has been awarded more than $1.7 billion in state incentives.

“Given the troubling revelations regarding CATL’s connections and practices, it is imperative that Michigan reevaluate its support for any project the company has a hand in,” said state Representative Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) in a statement. “We cannot afford to compromise our national security or turn a blind eye to human rights violations.”

Governor Whitmer’s Work to Bring Supply Chains to Michigan:

Of the accomplishments towards supply chain independence, Gov. Whitmer highlighted that the state is ranked first in fastest foreign direct investment job growth over the past five years.

For more information on the governor’s efforts to bring more money to support state projects and create clean energy jobs, see here.