LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have announced that development for a battery plant in Big Rapids will receive financial support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).
The plant, which will be operated by Gotion, is expected to create more than 2,300 jobs and invest in more than $2.3 billion, according to the Michigan governor’s office.
A news conference was held Wednesday in Grand Rapids at Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design:
“Gotion’s $2.36 billion investment creating 2,350 good-paying jobs in Big Rapids is the biggest-ever economic development project in Northern Michigan and will shore up our status as the global hub of mobility and electrification,” says Governor Whitmer. “Together, we will continue winning investments in this space and become the preeminent destination for electric vehicle and mobility companies. We will work with anyone and compete with everyone to keep bringing supply chains of batteries, chips, and electric vehicles home to Michigan.”
The governor says the project will address "range anxiety" surrounding electric vehicles, noting the batteries produced at the new facility will allow vehicles to travel 600 miles on a single charge.
We’re told the plant will help fill growing demand for battery components and serve customers across the world.
The new facility is expected to have an annual output of 150,000 tons of cathode material.
“We are thankful to the Big Rapids community, State of Michigan and all who have supported us in getting the project to this important milestone," says Gotion Global Vice President Chuck Thelen. "We are dedicated to bringing world class lithium battery production to North America and delivering high-quality products to our customers in a timely fashion. We look forward to our continued partnership to ensure a smooth launch.”
The state tells us board members with the MSF approved the following in support toward the project:
- $175 million from the SOAR Fund.
- A $540 million Designated Renaissance Zone.
The plant will result in an estimated $11.5 billion in income over a 20-year period, state officials add.
State Rep. Rachel Hood (D–Grand Rapids) released the following statement in response to the announcement:
“This is absolutely marvelous news for Big Rapids, and, indeed, all of West Michigan. These are the exact kind of large-scale economic investments we need in order to reinvigorate Michigan as a competitive, innovative force in the tech and manufacturing industries.”
State Rep. Carol Glanville (D–Walker) also issued a statement praising the new development:
“What an exciting time for West and Northern Michigan. These investments mean more lucrative jobs in the area and a boost to our economic climate. We are very fortunate that Gotion has decided to make a home in Michigan. I’m also grateful to MEDC for the impressive investments — they are going to a good place with hard-working people.”
We're told a battery facility is coming to Novi with $200 million in funding secured.
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