Oct. 20, 2020 7:55a
(WGTD)---Following a spate of bad press, Foxconn founder Terry Gou issued a statement Monday night pledging continued support for the development of its planned manufacturing and research complex in Mt. Pleasant.
But the statement may raise some eyebrows. For one thing, it omits any reference to Gov. Evers, but praises Donald Trump, saying that Foxconn will “continue to work with President Trump” without referencing the possibility that a new president may soon be in place.
Last week the Evers’ administration raised Foxconn’s ire by saying that the company won’t qualify for tax credits until it renegotiates its contract with the state because Foxconn’s plans have obviously changed.
In his statement, Gou concedes as much but says the company’s commitment to Wisconsin hasn’t changed, and that Foxconn will “work as a partner with those who treat the company as a partner.”
On Monday, a national online publication called “The Verge” posted a lengthy story that paints a less than favorable picture of the Mt. Pleasant operation, saying it’s plagued by uncertainty, changes in leadership, layoffs and a toxic work environment. The report cites comments from over a dozen unnamed, former employees.
For their part, officials at the village and county level say they’re pleased with the progress they’ve seen so far, and that Foxconn has met all of its local commitments.
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