ONTARIO — Concession talks between General Motors Corp. and the United Auto Workers are being overshadowed by a public spat about the automaker’s plans to import vehicles from other countries while it closes 16 U.S. factories.

Massive job losses this year at the Mansfield Metal Center provided a local backdrop for a visit from Sen. Sherrod Brown on Monday. Ohio’s junior senator vowed Monday he will continue fighting to keep GM a viable employer in Ontario.

With rumors of production moving to China, Brown arrived at the UAW Local 549 hall Monday afternoon to answer questions and share his insights.

“Obviously, I’m concerned about the GM restructuring. I want to make sure, is this being done fairly?” he said before a standing-room audience of more than 200. “This plant needs to get credit for their efficiency with GM and the auto restructuring board in Washington, and any tax dollars that GM gets should not be used to close American plants and open up plants elsewhere. It’s morally reprehensible to do this.”