Ford Pauses $3.5B Michigan Battery Plant Amid UAW Talks, China Tech Concerns
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Ford has paused construction on its $3.5 billion battery plant in Marshall, Michigan due to concerns about competitiveness and contract negotiations with the UAW union.
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The decision comes amid disputes with local residents, Republicans in Congress over the planned use of Chinese LFP battery tech, and the ongoing auto industry strike.
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Ford says it hasn't made a final decision on the investment but wants to limit spending until confident it can run the plant competitively.
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UAW President criticized Ford's decision as a "barely-veiled threat" to cut jobs during tough labor negotiations.
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Republicans in Congress have opposed the plant over concerns it could facilitate Chinese tech subsidies; they welcomed Ford's decision as a "first step" to reevaluate the deal.