Gotion's approval for a Renaissance Zone would help defray the cost of the factory, a development it says would create 2,350 jobs over the next decade.

Jim Chapman, Green Township supervisor

An empty tract of land that encompasses the Big Rapids Airport Industrial Park is part of the 19 parcels across 523 acres on which Gotion Inc. plans to build a battery plant over the next decade.

Gotion, a Chinese subsidiary headquartered in Silicon Valley, makes electronics, battery packs and other energy storage technology for EVs. Volkswagen Group is its parent company's largest shareholder, with a 26.5 percent stake.

The company has not yet said which automaker the new plant would be supplying.

Gotion's approval for a Renaissance Zone would help defray the cost of the factory, a development it says would create 2,350 jobs over the next decade. Designating the area as a Renaissance Zone would save Gotion an estimated $13 million in property taxes annually, according to the application.

Township and county leaders said the project would be pivotal for Big Rapids.

Randy Thelen, CEO of The Right Place, said in an emailed statement that he was encouraged by Monday's "yes" vote.

"We are encouraged to receive support tonight from Green Charter Township, Big Rapids Charter Township and Mecosta County regarding the Renaissance Zone designation for Gotion's multibillion-dollar investment in the area," he said in the statement.

"As well, we applaud all our community partners who have invested time and resources to champion this effort. There are still numerous steps to be taken before this project becomes a certainty, but this is a terrific start toward positioning the region at the center of West Michigan's growing mobility and EV sector."