Gotion Land Grab in Manteno, Illinois
Gotion, a Chinese battery manufacturer, has been making significant land acquisitions in Manteno, Illinois. With over $184 million invested and 680 acres purchased so far, the company is rapidly expanding its presence. This article breaks down the purchases, including farmland, commercial lots, and residential properties. Also, local conflicts of interest.
Major Land Acquisitions by Gotion in Manteno
Gotion's acquisitions have been carried out through various LLCs tied to the company. The following sections provide details on each purchase, including parcel numbers and prices.
Nugent Family Farmland Purchases
246 Acres and Home for $21.7 Million
On November 21, 2024, Gotion acquired a large portion of farmland from the Nugent family. The purchase included 246 acres and a home for a total of $21,669,700.
Parcel Numbers:
- 03-02-19-100-017
- 03-02-19-100-002
- 03-02-19-300-001
- 03-02-19-400-001
- 03-02-19-100-013
- 03-02-19-100-012
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, MANTENO 270 SERIES, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
5 Acres and Home for $470,000
Also purchased on November 21, 2024, this parcel includes 5 acres and a home for $470,000.
Parcel Number: 03-02-19-100-006
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, MANTENO 270 SERIES, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
5 Acres for $450,000
Gotion purchased another 5-acre lot from the Nugent family on the same date for $450,000, priced at $90,000 per acre.
Parcel Number: 03-02-19-100-018
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, MANTENO 270 SERIES, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
Additional 5-Acre Purchases
Gotion acquired two more 5-acre parcels from the Nugent family, each priced at $450,000. These purchases were made on November 21, 2024.
Parcel Numbers:
- 03-02-19-100-016
- 03-02-19-100-014
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, MANTENO 270 SERIES, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
Commercial Lot Purchases
6-Acre Commercial Lot for $625,000
On September 26, 2024, Gotion acquired two commercial lots across from its plant, totaling 6 acres for $625,000.
Parcel Numbers:
- 03-02-17-400-016
- 03-02-17-400-017
New Owner: Manteno Interchange Project LLC, 43 New York Ct, Dana Point, CA
Residential Purchases for Employee Housing
Gotion Employee Housing at 1652 Condor Dr for $375,900
A new construction home at 1652 Condor Dr, Manteno, was purchased on May 13, 2024, for $375,900.
Parcel Number: 03-02-17-402-052
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, 1643 CONDOR DRIVE SERIES, 1209 Orange St, Wilmington, DE
Additional Employee Housing Purchases
Gotion acquired two more homes on Condor Dr on December 1, 2023:
-
1643 Condor Dr for $362,900
- Parcel Number: 03-02-17-402-014
-
1827 Condor Dr for $361,900
- Parcel Number: 03-02-17-402-022
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, 1643 CONDOR DRIVE SERIES, 1209 Orange St, Wilmington, DE
Large Land Acquisitions
112 Acres for $12.5 Million
On May 8, 2024, Gotion purchased 112.76 acres for $12,535,590, at a rate of $111,170 per acre.
Parcel Number: 03-02-20-100-006
New Owner: NEW ENERGY PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC, MANTENO 112 SERIES, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
48 Acres for $2.1 Million
Gotion acquired a 48.38-acre parcel on December 20, 2023, for $2,132,800, priced at $44,084 per acre.
Parcel Number: 03-02-20-200-009
New Owner: 333 South Spruce LLC, Gotion Inc, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
Gotion Plant Purchase
$137 Million Investment
Gotion’s most significant purchase is the plant itself, acquired on December 20, 2023, for $137,367,200. The property includes 112.85 acres and a 1.6 million square foot building.
Parcel Number: 03-02-20-200-008
New Owner: 333 South Spruce LLC, Gotion Inc, 48660 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA
Other Notable Purchases
119 Acres for $5 Million
Gotion, through Nascent Investment LLC, acquired 119.07 acres on February 23, 2023, for $5 million, at a rate of $41,992 per acre.
Parcel Number: 03-02-19-200-005
New Owner: Nascent Investment LLC, 1503 Hidden Creek Ln, Milpitas, CA
Summary of Gotion's Expansion in Manteno
Gotion's land purchases in Manteno, Illinois, indicate a significant investment in the region. With farmland, commercial lots, and residential properties acquired, the company's presence is growing rapidly. These acquisitions align with Gotion's strategy to support its manufacturing operations and provide housing for its employees.
The involvement of various LLCs connected to Gotion suggests a coordinated effort to secure strategic assets. As Gotion continues to expand, Manteno residents and local officials will likely see more developments in the area.
Gotion's Global Operations
Gotion, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Fremont, California, specializes in the development of lithium-ion batteries and battery management systems for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. The company operates R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan, Singapore, and Europe, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electrified transportation and sustainable energy solutions.
Concerns have also been raised regarding Gotion's operations in the United States. In Michigan, residents and lawmakers have expressed apprehension about the company's ties to the Chinese Communist Party and potential national security risks. Additionally, there have been calls for investigations into alleged conflicts of interest involving local officials and Gotion executives related to a proposed battery plant in the state.
Despite these challenges, Gotion continues to expand its global footprint, investing in new facilities and advancing battery technology to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a significant player in the evolving clean energy landscape.
Local Conflict of Interest
Andrew Wheeler
The chairman of the Kankakee County Board, Andrew Wheeler, resigned from his post ahead of a special board meeting to discuss his potential removal after he accepted a job with Gotion. This resignation came after the board, under Wheeler’s leadership, provided millions of dollars in incentives to bring Gotion’s $2 billion EV battery plant to Manteno. The plant has faced opposition from some local groups, primarily due to concerns about its Chinese ownership and ties to the Chinese government.
County Board member Robert Ellington-Snipes acknowledged that Wheeler's employment by Gotion raised conflict of interest concerns, especially from those who opposed the plant. "It raises the eyebrows of individuals that are in opposition," Ellington-Snipes stated after the brief board meeting.
Wheeler’s resignation letter did not provide a reason for his decision to step down. However, he later texted that he would no longer comment on his time in government and that he was returning to the manufacturing industry, where his expertise lies. He mentioned that he would respond more freely once he received a company phone from Gotion.
County Board member Peggy Sue Munday expressed frustration that Wheeler had not been adequately performing his duties as chairman since taking the job with Gotion. She noted that Wheeler continued to draw a paycheck without fulfilling his responsibilities. "Unfortunately, when you make a decision to leave a job, you need to leave it 100% or you need to work it 100% until your time’s up," Munday said, adding that Wheeler’s absence had impacted the board’s operations.
Munday emphasized that the board’s concerns were not directly related to Gotion but rather to Wheeler’s lack of engagement in his role as chairman. "He’s not in the building. He’s not returning any phone calls. He’s not returning any emails," she said. "Just because you’re a lame duck doesn’t mean you don’t do the job. You continue to do the job until your time is up."
Tim Nugent
Tim Nugent, mayor of Manteno and CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, played a key role in securing Gotion Inc.’s investment in the area.
Gotion plans to invest $2 billion in the 1.5-million-square-foot facility and create up to 2,600 jobs. The average salary at the plant will be $55,000 annually, with operations expected to begin in the second quarter of 2024. The state offered $536 million in incentives to finalize the deal.
“There was a lot of competition for this, and it ended up here,” Nugent said. He acknowledged mixed public reactions but emphasized the project’s positive impact on the region.
Longtime Mayor Tim Nugent, 72, confirmed he will not seek reelection after five terms in office. Nugent, who has served since May 2004, stated his decision was expected, noting he planned for this to be his final term. "I'm done," Nugent said. "It’s been a good run. It’s time for somebody else."
Several village positions will be on the ballot in April, including mayor, clerk, and three trustee seats. Current trustees Diane Dole and Tim Boyce, along with village clerk Robin Batka, will not run for reelection. Trustee Cameron CJ Boudreau, appointed in July to replace Samuel Martin, will seek a full term. Trustee Joel Gesky has announced plans to run for mayor, with a formal campaign launch after the Nov. 5 election.
Final Thoughts
Although Gotion claims to create up to 2,600 jobs in the area, it is very clear they have purchased a lot of housing for employees. This raises concerns about whether the promised job creation will truly benefit the local population or whether Gotion plans to bring in a significant portion of its workforce from outside the area. The acquisition of homes in close proximity to the plant suggests that the company is preparing to accommodate a large number of its employees in Manteno, potentially limiting the economic benefits to local residents.
Additionally, the extensive land purchases, particularly of farmland, indicate that Gotion's expansion in the region may be far from complete. The company's strategy appears to involve not only securing land for its current operations but also preparing for future growth. This raises questions about how much influence Gotion will wield in the local community and whether it will eventually control key aspects of Manteno's development.
The involvement of local officials, such as Andrew Wheeler and Tim Nugent, further complicates the situation. While some view Gotion's investment as a significant economic boost, others are concerned about conflicts of interest and the potential for corporate influence over public officials. Wheeler’s resignation from his county board position after accepting employment with Gotion highlights these concerns. It also underscores the delicate balance between attracting foreign investment and ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance.
Moreover, Gotion’s ties to China have raised national security concerns, especially given ongoing geopolitical tensions. Some residents and lawmakers worry about the implications of a Chinese company owning large amounts of land and critical infrastructure in the U.S. These concerns have led to calls for greater scrutiny of foreign investments, particularly in sectors related to energy and technology.
Despite these challenges, there is no denying that Gotion’s presence in Manteno will have a significant impact on the local economy and community. The promise of thousands of jobs and increased tax revenue is appealing to many, but the long-term implications of the company's influence remain unclear. As Gotion continues to expand its footprint in Manteno, it will be crucial for residents, officials, and other stakeholders to ensure that the company's growth aligns with the community's best interests.
Another pressing concern is the potential danger posed by lithium battery fires, especially given the scale of Gotion’s operations. In the summer of 2021, a lithium battery fire occurred in Grundy County, Illinois, destroying hundreds of thousands of pounds of lithium-ion batteries and forcing the evacuation of about 3,000 residents. These types of fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and can pose significant risks to nearby communities. As Gotion continues to build its battery production facilities, it will be essential to implement robust safety protocols to prevent such incidents and ensure that both employees and local residents are adequately protected.
Ultimately, the situation in Manteno serves as a microcosm of the broader debate surrounding foreign investment in the U.S. While such investments can bring economic benefits, they also raise complex questions about national security, local governance, and the long-term impact on communities. The Gotion case will likely serve as a precedent for how other towns and cities approach foreign investments in the future, making it a situation worth watching closely.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
Disclaimer: The content of this article is solely for general informational purposes only; it does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice; the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. The author's interpretation of publicly available data shapes the opinions presented here; as a result, they should not be taken as advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities mentioned or any other investments. The author does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any material, providing it "as is." Information and market conditions may change; past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. If any of the material offered here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.
