Wisconsin for sure; Mich. next? Ohio in hunt
Foxconn might follow its massive investment in Wisconsin with a project in Michigan, according to a Chinese media report.
At the same time, central Ohio remains in the running to attract the Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer, a source familiar with the talks said.
Michigan’s governor stopped short of saying that Foxconn is definitely coming to his state.
Here are the recent developments:
The South China Morning Post reported on Sunday that Foxconn was planning to build a research-and-development center in Michigan. This was based on comments made in China by Terry Gou, Foxconn’s company chairman.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is on a trade mission to China during which he met with Gou. Snyder said, “I believe we have a strong future with Foxconn, and while I don’t have an announcement to make today, I think there are very exciting things to come in the future.”
It is not clear whether the project discussed for Michigan is related to what Foxconn is exploring in Ohio. A source familiar with Ohio’s bid said talks with Foxconn officials are continuing this week. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because this person was not authorized to discuss the topic.
The Dispatch has previously reported that Foxconn is looking at a site near Rickenbacker Airport.
Foxconn, which makes products for Apple and other electronics companies, wants the Michigan facility to focus on autonomous vehicles, the South China Morning Post reported.
“Automotive development in the U.S. is still more advanced than China,” said Gou, quoted in that story. “Besides self-driving technology, I’m also interested in artificial intelligence and deep learning technology.”
No details about the investment were provided.
Less than two weeks ago, Foxconn and President Donald Trump announced that the company would spend $10 billion to build a massive plant in Wisconsin to make LCD screens for electronic goods. The plant would have 3,000 jobs to start, with the potential to grow to as many as 13,000 jobs in the years ahead.
The company said then that the announcement in Wisconsin will be the first of series of operations being planned for several states.
Foxconn disclosed in July that Ohio was one of several states that the company was considering for investment. Ohio officials have declined to comment about any negotiations, nor would they confirm that talks are taking place.
On Monday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s office referred questions to JobsOhio, the state’s private economicdevelopment office. A JobsOhio spokesman declined to comment.