Planet Money: When Chinese Manufacturing Met Small Town, USA
Episode Release Date: June 6, 2025
Host: Alexi Horowitz Ghazi
Description: This episode explores the intersection of global economics and local politics through the story of a proposed Chinese battery factory in a small Michigan town, examining the promises and perils of reshoring manufacturing to the United States.
1. Introduction: Jim Chapman and Green Charter Township
The episode begins by introducing Jim Chapman, a dedicated public servant from Green Charter Township, a tight-knit rural community in western Michigan. Jim's lifelong commitment to his community—as a police officer, Boy Scout trooper, volunteer firefighter, and EMT—cements his reputation as a reliable and morally grounded leader.
Notable Quote:
“I saw that as a moral duty.” — Jim Chapman [00:59]
Following the sudden death of the town supervisor, Bob, Jim is volunteered to complete his term as the new township supervisor, marking the beginning of a pivotal chapter for both him and the community.
2. The Promise of Goshen's Battery Factory
In the summer of 2022, Green Charter Township receives an enticing proposal from Goshen, the American subsidiary of a Chinese battery manufacturer. Goshen plans to invest an estimated $2.4 billion to build a new factory, promising over 2,000 well-paying jobs. For Jim, this represents a "once in a generation opportunity" to revitalize a town struggling with job losses and youth migration.
Notable Quote:
“This was a once in generation opportunity.” — Jim Chapman [02:58]
Jim eagerly champions the project, believing it aligns with the broader national goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., a sentiment resonating with his Republican constituents.
3. Introducing Goshen and China's Manufacturing Boom
To understand Goshen’s ambitions, the podcast delves into China's aggressive push into the electric vehicle (EV) industry, supported by centralized government policies and substantial subsidies. Viola Zhou, a Chinese tech reporter, explains how companies like Goshen have rapidly expanded internationally by leveraging these domestic strengths.
Notable Quote:
“Under this like very top down industrial policy, the entire country just like came together.” — Viola Zhou [06:23]
Goshen's strategy to establish a manufacturing base in the U.S. aims to bypass potential tariffs and capitalize on American incentives for domestic EV production.
4. Local Optimism Meets Growing Concerns
Initially, the township’s residents are optimistic. Jim perceives Goshen's factory as a beacon of economic revival that could spur further development and prosperity.
Notable Quote:
“The opportunities that I saw, there's a cascading opportunities within the community.” — Jim Chapman [08:41]
However, this enthusiasm soon encounters resistance when local residents, notably realtor and horse breeder Lori Brock, become aware of the project. An anonymous flyer warning of environmental and lifestyle threats prompts widespread skepticism and opposition.
5. Emergence of Opposition: Lori Brock and Marjorie Steele
Lori Brock and Marjorie Steele emerge as prominent figures in the opposition movement. They articulate three main concerns regarding Goshen's factory:
- Environmental Impact: Fear over excessive water usage and potential chemical contamination.
- Job Quality: Doubts about the longevity and benefits of the promised jobs, contrasting them with past manufacturing roles.
- National Security: Concerns about Goshen being a potential tool for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to infiltrate American infrastructure.
Notable Quotes:
“I have legitimate, serious concerns about my family's well water drying up.” — Marjorie Steele [11:50]
“They don't hide it. They're very brazen, and they're very bold about their plan to take over America.” — Lori Brock [16:23]
These issues galvanize the community, transforming local unease into organized resistance.
6. The Rise of the "No Go's" Coalition
Lori Brock spearheads the formation of the "No Go's," a coalition opposing the factory. Their activism includes organizing rallies, dispersing anti-Goshen signage, and mobilizing grassroots support to recall the township leadership supporting the project.
Notable Quote:
“I watched him express that skepticism quite clearly.” — Jim Chapman [Not directly quoted in the transcript]
The coalition effectively leverages national anti-China sentiment, aligning local opposition with broader political narratives.
7. Political Fallout: Recall Elections and Leadership Change
The mounting opposition culminates in a successful recall election, ousting Jim Chapman and the entire township board. This political upheaval shifts control to the "No Go" faction, which subsequently halts Goshen's factory plans by denying necessary water access, leading Goshen to file a lawsuit against the township.
Notable Quote:
“This is like the snowball that would turn into an avalanche.” — Alexi Horowitz Ghazi [17:17]
8. Goshen’s Response and Continued Tensions
Goshen attempts to regain public trust through demonstrative acts, such as Chuck Thelen's controversial display of consuming battery-grade materials to prove their non-toxicity. However, these gestures fail to sway the staunch opposition led by Lori Brock.
Notable Quote:
“So he takes his dry finger dry, puts it in some powder and licks it.” — Lori Brock [23:58]
The conflict intensifies, drawing national attention and political figures into the fray, further polarizing the community.
9. Contrasting Narratives: Mantino, Illinois
In contrast, Goshen successfully establishes a factory in Mantino, Illinois, where local governance remains stable, and opposition is minimal. This juxtaposition highlights how political dynamics and community engagement significantly influence the success of such large-scale manufacturing projects.
Notable Quote:
“This is what's caused all the consternation for everybody.” — Jim Chapman [29:31]
10. Broader Implications: Manufacturing Renaissance and Political Divides
The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of Green Charter Township's struggle. It underscores the complexities of reshoring manufacturing in the U.S., where economic incentives intersect with local governance, environmental concerns, and national security fears. The story exemplifies the challenges of balancing economic development with community values and geopolitical tensions.
Notable Quote:
“It was this quintessentially American ability to say no that would call the future of Goshen's battery factory into question.” — Alexi Horowitz Ghazi [22:17]
Conclusion: The Future of Goshen's Factory and American Manufacturing
As legal battles continue and community divisions persist, the fate of Goshen's factory remains uncertain. Jim Chapman maintains his belief in the factory's potential to transform the local economy, while opponents like Lori Brock advocate for alternative approaches to revitalizing their town without compromising environmental integrity and local lifestyles.
The episode serves as a microcosm of the broader national debate on manufacturing revival, highlighting the intricate interplay between global economic strategies and local democratic processes.
Produced by: Emma Peaslee and Sylvie Douglas
Edited by: Marianne McCune
Fact-Checked by: Sierra Juarez
Engineered by: Robert Rodriguez
Executive Producer: Alex Goldmark
Special Thanks to: Carlene Rose, Amanda Piker, and Kyle Jarris