Detroit, Sep 26 (AP) Ford Motor Co. has said that it's pausing construction of a USD3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan until it is confident it can run the factory competitively.

The move comes as the company is in the midst of national contract talks with the United Auto Workers union, which wants to represent workers at battery factories and win them top wages.

Also Read | JetBlue Flight From Ecuador to Fort Lauderdale Hits Severe Turbulence, Eight Passengers Injured.

In February, Ford announced plans to build the plant in Marshall, Michigan, employing about 2,500 workers to make lower-cost batteries for a variety of new and existing vehicles. Marshall is about 160 kilometres west of Detroit and is near two major interstate highways.

But Ford spokesman TR Reid confirmed Monday that plant construction has been paused and spending has been limited on it.

Also Read | China: Wuhan Institute Of Virology’s ‘Batwoman’ Shi Zhengli Says Another COVID-19 Outbreak ‘Highly Likely’.

“There are a number of considerations,” he said in an email. “We haven't made any final decision about the planned investment there.” (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)