When Chinese Manufacturing Meets Small Town USA: A Tale of Jobs, Fears, and Democracy

Introduction: A Dream Meets Reality

For years, American politicians have promised to revive manufacturing, enticing voters with visions of new factories and good-paying jobs. Tariffs, tax breaks, and subsidies have been rolled out to lure companies back to U.S. soil. But what happens when a foreign company—specifically a Chinese one—takes up the offer and tries to build a factory in a small American town? The story of Gotion, a Chinese battery manufacturer, and Green Charter Township, Michigan, reveals a complex clash of economic ambition, local democracy, and geopolitical tensions. This is a tale of opportunity, fear, and the power of town hall debates.

The Promise of Jobs in Green Charter Township

In 2022, Gotion, a Chinese company specializing in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, announced plans to build a $2.36 billion factory in Green Charter Township, a small community near Big Rapids, Michigan. The project promised 2,350 jobs with salaries averaging $62,000—over 50% higher than the local median household income. For a region struggling economically, this seemed like a golden opportunity. The factory was poised to tap into America’s EV boom, supported by federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which encourages domestic clean energy production.

Local leaders, like then-Town Supervisor Jim Chapman, saw the factory as a chance to revitalize the area. Gotion’s U.S. subsidiary, based in Silicon Valley, was set to receive hundreds of millions in state subsidies and tax breaks. The land was zoned for industrial use, permits were nearly complete, and the U.S. Treasury Department found no significant national security risks. On paper, it was a win-win: jobs for locals, investment in clean energy, and a step toward reducing U.S. reliance on foreign supply chains.

The Backlash: Fear of the “No Gos”

But not everyone was on board. News of Gotion’s plans sparked a fierce backlash from residents, who dubbed themselves the “No Gos.” Their concerns ranged from environmental risks—fears of toxic chemicals from battery production—to suspicions about Gotion’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A single line in Gotion’s parent company’s articles of association, mandating a Party organization, fueled accusations that the factory was a CCP plot to infiltrate America. Social media amplified these fears, with Facebook groups, yard signs, and rallies warning of Chinese spies and environmental ruin.

The “No Gos” weren’t just a fringe group. Their movement gained traction, turning town hall meetings into shouting matches. Residents accused local officials of betraying America by pledging allegiance to China. One protester, John Holdsworth, even performed anti-Gotion songs at meetings, including a parody of “American Pie” lamenting the loss of democracy. The rhetoric was intense, with some claiming the factory threatened national security and the rural way of life.

A Political Firestorm and a Recall Election

The controversy culminated in a recall election in November 2023. Five of Green Charter Township’s seven board members, including Jim Chapman, were voted out in a landslide. The new board, led by Jason Kruse, a mechanic instructor driven by fears of Chinese influence, reflected the community’s rejection of the project. The “No Gos” celebrated, declaring they had sent a message to China—and to Washington.

This local uprising wasn’t just about one factory. It tapped into broader anxieties about globalization, U.S.-China tensions, and the fear of losing control over one’s community. The recall showed how town hall democracy can amplify local voices, but it also highlighted the challenges of balancing economic development with public sentiment.

The Global Economy vs. Local Democracy

The Gotion saga illustrates a broader tension: what happens when the global economy meets small-town democracy? Politicians tout manufacturing as a path to economic revival, but when foreign companies—especially from China—answer the call, they often face suspicion. The U.S. has long relied on Chinese expertise in EV battery production, with companies like CATL and BYD dominating the global market. Yet, political rhetoric, amplified by figures like Rep. John Moolenaar and the “NO GOTION Act,” frames Chinese investment as a security threat, even when projects align with U.S. goals like clean energy and job creation.

In Green Charter, the debate wasn’t just about economics. It was about identity, trust, and fear of the unknown. Residents worried about environmental impacts, but the specter of the CCP loomed larger, fueled by decades of anti-China sentiment and recent geopolitical tensions, like spy balloon incidents and trade wars. The recall election showed that local communities can wield significant power, but it also raised questions about whether fear-driven decisions might stifle economic progress.

A Tale of Two Towns

Interestingly, Gotion’s experience wasn’t universal. In another small U.S. town, a Gotion factory opened without the same backlash, creating 2,600 jobs. This contrast suggests that local context—leadership, communication, or community trust—can shape outcomes. In Green Charter, the lack of transparency early on (residents learned of the project through notes in mailboxes) fueled distrust. Better engagement might have tempered fears, but the geopolitical climate made that challenging.

What’s Next for Gotion and Green Charter?

As of 2025, Gotion hasn’t abandoned its Michigan plans, but legal battles and political opposition continue to stall progress. Chuck Thelen, Gotion’s North American manufacturing VP, remains optimistic, arguing the project aligns with U.S. goals of localizing EV supply chains. Meanwhile, the “No Gos” remain vigilant, seeing their victory as a stand against foreign influence. The factory’s fate hangs in the balance, a microcosm of America’s struggle to reconcile economic ambition with local control.

Lessons for the Future

The Green Charter story offers lessons for policymakers and communities. First, transparency is critical. Early, open communication about projects can build trust and reduce misinformation. Second, geopolitical fears can’t be ignored. U.S.-China tensions shape public perception, and companies must navigate this carefully. Finally, local democracy matters. Town halls give communities a voice, but they can also amplify fear over facts, challenging leaders to educate as much as they persuade.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for American Manufacturing

The clash over Gotion’s battery factory in Green Charter Township is more than a local dispute—it’s a window into the complexities of reviving American manufacturing. The promise of jobs and economic growth is powerful, but it comes with trade-offs: environmental concerns, geopolitical suspicions, and the messy realities of democracy. As the U.S. pushes for a domestic EV supply chain, stories like this will shape the path forward. Will small towns embrace foreign investment to secure their economic future, or will fear and mistrust prevail?

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Should small towns prioritize economic growth over concerns about foreign influence, or is local control more important?

2. How can communities balance the benefits of global investment with fears about environmental and geopolitical risks?

3. What role should local governments play in educating residents about complex projects like battery factories?

Sources: NPR (web:0, web:1, web:2, web:3, web:5, web:6, web:10, web:12, web:14), Rest of World (web:8), Business Insider (web:15), Politico (web:19), X post (post:0)