Ford plant halted by Youngkin would have created 2,500 jobs in Southside

[Hoodat]

Ford plant halted by Youngkin would have created 2,500 jobs in Southside

Charlotte Rene Woods , Patrick Wilson  |  Jan 16, 2023

Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s decision to halt plans for a $3.5 billion Ford Motor Co. battery plant over his concerns about Chinese influence cost one of the poorest areas of Virginia a reported 2,500 jobs with potential for more.

If Ford finalized the project, the plant would have gone in the Southern Virginia Mega Site at Berry Hill in Pittsylvania County. More than $200 million has been spent over 15 years to make Berry Hill a premier site and the largest publicly owned site in the Southeast. The plant would have built lithium iron phosphate batteries for Ford’s electric vehicles.

The location still has no tenant, however, after Youngkin intervened in late December to stop plans for the plant in Virginia because of its partnership with Chinese company Contemporary Amperex Technology. Youngkin first publicly discussed his decision after giving his State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday.  .  .

https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/ford-plant-halted-by-youngkin-would-have-created-2-500-jobs-in-southside/article_9edc230a-95dc-11ed-bdd8-2301b6df2e06.html


The title is deceiving.  Younkin simply said that Commonwealth money set aside to bribe companies to set up shop in Virginia would not be given to Chinese companies.

[mountaineer]

Oh my, the crocodile tears over the 2,500 jobs that are not to be, thanks to that meanie Youngkin!
They probably couldn't find 2,500 people in that area to pass the drug tests.

[EdinVA]

Building batteries for electric vehicles..... Talk about a toxic waste site in 5 years.... There are better businesses that are looking for a place...
Good call for Youngkin

[Smokin Joe]

Building batteries for electric vehicles..... Talk about a toxic waste site in 5 years.... There are better businesses that are looking for a place...
Good call for Youngkin

Exactly. Future Superfund sites are not my idea of economic development (but look at all the jobs for the cleanup!)