Ford’s Landmark CATL Deal Shows Way for Trump, Xi to Deepen Ties (1)

Construction machines are still roving around Ford Motor Co.’s new factory in Marshall, Michigan, but their work is almost done — and it’s a scene to warm President Donald Trump’s heart.

An iconic US company is poised to cut the ribbon on its first wholly owned domestic greenfield plant in half a century, and bring manufacturing jobs and money to a slice of small-town America that’s been starved of both.

The twist in the tale: All this comes with a big assist from China, where Trump is headed this week to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping.

Workers are close to completing construction of the BlueOval plant in Marshall.

Photographer: Caria Taylor/Bloomberg

For its $3 billion ...