TAIPEI, Taiwan – Foxconn confirmed Monday that it intends to manufacture components and equipment for data centers at the former General Motors complex in Lordstown, the international news outlet Reuters reported.
Foxconn, which purchased the plant in 2022 with the intent to manufacture electric vehicles, has sold the factory to the Japanese firm SoftBank, Reuters reported, citing comments by Foxconn Chairman Young Liu.
Liu said Foxconn would continue to operate inside the plant through a new venture created by the two companies and build components as part of SoftBank’s Stargate project. That project includes an investment of $500 million to accelerate the artificial intelligence adoption in the United States.
Stargate is a joint venture between SoftBank, Open AI and Oracle.
Earlier this month, Foxconn announced that it had sold the Lordstown plant and equipment for $375 million but did not name the buyer.
Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, called the decision “tremendous news” for the Mahoning Valley.
“The decision to anchor part of the nation’s artificial intelligence infrastructure here underscores that the Valley is not only competitive but essential to the industries of the future,” Coviello said in a statement. “Manufacturing AI data center hardware in Lordstown positions our region at the heart of a global effort with the potential to reshape technology, business and everyday life.”
SoftBank’s investment in the Mahoning Valley helps position the region for new development and job growth, Covelli said.
“This project is about more than innovation – it’s about jobs, investment and a new era of growth,” he said.
“Our talks with SoftBank representatives have been very encouraging, and the convergence of these global leaders with OpenAI and Oracle signals a bright future for our community.”
Coviello said the Foxconn announcement augments other major regional developments that have recently taken shape, citing Amazon’s investment in Bazetta Township, Kimberly-Clark’s expansion in Trumbull County and the new Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense.
“Together, these developments demonstrate the growing strength and attractiveness of our region for world-class companies and groundbreaking innovation,” Coviello said.