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Since entering the US market, Fuyao Glass America Inc. (FGA) has injected a “shot in the arm” into the American economy. However, this global leading glass manufacturer has recently been subjected to searches by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

Although the company itself is not the target of the investigation, it has raised suspicions about the true orchestrators behind the scenes. FGA took over and renovated the former General Motors plant in Moraine, Dayton, Ohio.

The transformation of the facility marks a revival of manufacturing in the “Rust Belt”. Since FGA’s arrival, it has directly created over 2 300 jobs and indirectly stimulated more than 3 800 additional job opportunities, making a significant contribution to the local reduction in unemployment and economic recovery.

FGA’s investment in the US is substantial. As of August 2023, FGA invested approximately $1 billion. These funds have been used not only for facility construction and modernisation but also for technological innovation and employee training, ensuring efficient and high-quality production processes to meet the strong demand for premium automotive glass in the US and North American countries.

FGA in Ohio is not just for money; the company is also actively involved in community building through charitable donations, educational partnerships, and also charity events, establishing deep connections with local residents.

The achievements of FGA have been highly praised by the Ohio state government, which supports FGA through incentive programs aimed at attracting more foreign investment to come and creating more job opportunities. This cooperation model not only strengthens its local foundation but also sets an example for other foreign companies looking to invest in the US.

According to local TV station WDTN, multiple US law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security, executed search warrants at 28 locations in Ohio, including the FGA’s unit in Moraine, as part of an investigation into “allegations of financial crimes and labour exploitation.”

Myles Smith, a forklift driver who has worked at FGA for two years, stated: “We couldn’t do anything; we couldn’t go anywhere. They said, ‘You have to go to the bathroom. We’ve got to escort you to the bathroom.’ Basically, they had us locked down, shut down, sweating.”

An anonymous observer commented: “It seems mainly related to illegal labour issues. The timing of this raid is very sensitive; it could become a “talking point” in the US presidential election.”

FGA and its founder, Cao Dewang, may have been caught up into the storm of American internal politics unintentionally. Considering the good reputation of FGA in Ohio, a swing state, and the involvement of Homeland Security in the investigation, this incident appears to have more political overtones.

Previously, the 2019 Netflix documentary “American Factory” based on FGA, recorded the factory’s struggles with union movements, cultural conflicts, and other controversies, showcasing prolonged negative attention toward FGA. Could this search action also be a premeditated move? —  Agencies