A Chinese automotive glass manufacturer, Fuyao Glass America, clarified that it was not the primary focus of a recent federal investigation that briefly halted production at its Ohio plant, prominently featured in the documentary “American Factory”. The investigation concentrated on potential offenses like money laundering, human trafficking, labor exploitation, and financial crimes, as shared by Homeland Security agent Jared Murphey on Friday.
Despite the federal search warrants executed at the Moraine-based Fuyao plant and nearly 30 other locations in Dayton by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Internal Revenue Service, and local authorities, Fuyao Glass America informed that a third-party employment agency was at the core of the criminal inquiry, as reported in a disclosure made to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Lei Shi, the community relations manager at Fuyao Glass America, stated in a communication to the Dayton Daily News that the company plans to fully cooperate with the investigation. The production pause initiated on Friday was resolved by the end of the day, allowing operations to resume.
Acquiring a dormant General Motors factory a decade ago, Fuyao transformed the site into a hub employing over 2,000 individuals for crafting glass for the automotive sector. The Ohio plant, recognized as the world’s largest auto glass production facility, received substantial tax incentives and breaks from both state and local administrations.
“American Factory,” a documentary supported by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, explored various themes such as labor rights, global trade, and automation. In 2017, workers at Fuyao voted against unionization following grievances about unsafe working conditions, arbitrary regulations, and unfair treatment at the workplace. Earlier that year, Fuyao was fined $100,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for alleged safety violations related to machine operations, electrical safety, and insufficient personal protective equipment.
