The Business Journal Growth Report 2021 • 3

What was and is now Lordstown Motors commands the landscape. In the background, but not for long, Ultium Cells’ battery plant is taking shape. Together in Transformation: It’s Working the former General Motors plant in for the Endurance, with the intent of Ultium’s 3 million-square-foot Reconstitution of auto 2019, has started production of 57 creating future production opportu- plant is near GM’s former assembly beta test models of its all-electric nities, Camping World CEO Marcus plant. The project was aided by a 75% industry undergirds pickup, the Endurance. The first beta Lemonis said. property tax abatement from the vil- renewal, collaboration. trucks should be completed in March In December, Lordstown Motors lage of Lordstown and $13.8 million and will be used for crash, engineering received $20 million in job-creation in job-creation tax credits from the BY DAN O’BRIEN and validation testing. Some of these tax credits over 15 years from the Ohio Development Services Agency. he signs of sweeping beta models will be sent to potential state of Ohio. In return, Lordstown An important overall component in transformation are evident – customers for feedback. Motors pledged to create 1,570 jobs this transformation – the “Voltage Val- Tindeed, the most profound Preproduction models are slated by Dec. 31, 2025, and maintain opera- ley,” as dubbed by Lordstown Motors’ transformation in more than a half for the summer. Full production is tions at the site for 18 years. To date, CEO – is the formation of partnerships century. scheduled for September. the company has hired 343 full-time focused on research, development Billions of dollars of new private In January, Lordstown Motors employees. It expects to employ more and training the next generation of and public investment, advanced said it had surpassed 100,000 early than 1,000 by the end of this year. advanced manufacturing workers. technological applications to enable orders from potential commercial Moreover, the startup said Jan. 28 Central to this are plans to develop manufacturing and infrastructure, fleet customers. The company also that it has secured a multiyear agree- an Energy Storage and Innovation commitments to improve the quality said that it has been added to the U.S. ment with LG Energy Solution, the Center through a partnership between of life, and granular efforts to stabilize General Services Ad- battery division of Youngstown State University, the U.S. and improve communities – neighbor- ministration listing, In January, Lordstown Motors LG Chem of Korea Department of Energy, and Oak Ridge hood by neighborhood – are gaining a first step to allow as part of its battery- National Laboratory in Tennessee. momentum and guiding the future the company to sell said it had surpassed 100,000 cell supply chain. DOE announced Jan. 19 that it would across the region. to government fleets. Equally enhanc- award $1 million to fund the initiative. All of this does not result from a “Receiving early orders from potential ing the region’s po- “This partnership is a great ex- single person, elected official, group, 100,000 preorders commercial fleet customers. The tential as a center for ample of how government can work business or government body. Instead, from commercial electric-vehicle pro- to bolster efforts on the ground in our leading this transformation are the fleets for a truck like company also said that it has duction and research community to dominate in the clean collective and imaginative efforts of all the Endurance is un- been added to the U.S. General is Ultium Cells LLC – energy economy. The electric energy of these stakeholders and many more. precedented in auto- the General Motors/ industry is not only a major key to From huge projects such as the motive history,” says Services Administration listing, a LG Chem joint ven- reigniting American competitiveness Ultium Cells battery plant under Lordstown Motors first step to allow the company ture. In mid-2020, but also to reigniting our workforce construction in Lordstown and the CEO Steve Burns. Ultium began build- here in northeast Ohio,” proclaimed planned launch of Lordstown Motors’ Plans to develop a to sell to government fleets. ing its $2.3 billion U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13, in a state- Endurance electric pickup to street- new all-electric van electric-vehicle bat- ment. “With Lordstown Motors, Brite level action that makes a difference based on the Endurance platform are tery plant in Lordstown. The battery Energy Innovators, the GM-LG Chem in the struggling inner cities. From also in the works. Details regarding platform will be used to power GM battery plant, Youngstown State and the reinvention of business corridors the van will be unveiled in June. The electric and autonomous vehicles others, our region is leading the world into high-tech logistics and transit company says it is eyeing production well into the future, generating new in creating the energy of the future and hubs to initiatives intended to shape sometime during the second half of opportunities for workers. putting Voltage Valley on the map.” the very nature of work and the future 2022. “Our plan is to hire about 400 The Energy Storage and Innova- of business. The van’s architecture could be people by the end of 2021,” says GM tion Center would be “based in the used to manufacture the world’s spokesman Dan Flores. “We will Midwest,” DOE said, and serve as ‘Voltage Valley’ Takes Shape first all-electric recreational vehicle, continue planned equipment instal- a training center to support battery At the forefront is this reconstitu- a broad goal set through a partner- lation through 2022 and will grow and electric-vehicle manufacturing tion of the region’s automotive indus- ship between Lordstown Motors and the organization to about 1,100,” by ventures in northeastern Ohio. try and the creation of a national hub Camping World Inc. the end of 2022, he says. “These plans “YSU and our many partners are for electric-vehicle manufacturing, In December, Lordstown Motors are rather fluid as we learn how long committed to playing a major role in research and development. signed a deal with Camping World it will take to train the workforce for training, research, innovation, infra- Lordstown Motors Corp., the that would establish a service and these new high-tech jobs in battery structure and workforce development electric-vehicle startup that purchased support network across the country cell manufacturing.” See TRANSFORMATION, page 4 4 • Growth Report 2021 The Business Journal

TRANSFORMATION, from page 3 in a meaningful way,” Stockburger “We would have the most attractive ter, remains in the planning stages. says. “We’re hoping those companies transportation system in the country,” “This is a highly technical project,” services in order to help transform the have opportunities here. It’s pretty says Mike Hripko, economic recovery Hripko says. The corridors would economic engine of our region,” said exciting.” coordinator for Eastgate Regional be outfitted with radio frequency YSU President Jim Tressel. Stockburger says Brite is also seeing Council of Governments. identification capability – which uses The project received a portion of a significant increase from startups The plan is to develop a $25 million electromagnetic fields to identify and $5 million that the state awarded YSU that look to join the EV industry Smart Logistics Hub in and around track ID tags on trucks. “You would as part of Ohio’s clawback agreement supply chain. “We have more startup the Lordstown – North Jackson cor- have up-to-the-minute information to with GM, which stipulated the auto- companies coming through our deal ridor that would greatly elevate this the dock or warehouse.” maker must invest $12 million in the flow than we’ve ever had. And that’s region’s presence as a prime location Other advanced applications in- Mahoning Valley as tax-credits restitu- a huge part of the relationship with for manufacturing, warehousing and clude electric automated freight tion for closing its Lordstown plant. Lordstown Motors and Ultium.” distribution. shuttles, integrated and electrified Rick Stockburger, president and Other companies as well are ex- Eastgate has partnered with the interchanges at Interstates 76 and 80, CEO of Brite, the energy business panding their technological footprints Western Reserve Port Authority, the a smart communications corridor that incubator in Warren, says the Energy in the region, Stockburger says. , Youngstown/Warren Regional Cham- uses fiber optics along the Ohio Turn- Storage and Innovation Center is just formerly Delphi , is devoting ber and YSU to secure a $500,000 pike, and a solar energy field. one example of how the region is more of its resources to support the grant from the Ohio Department of There is also the potential to in- answering the call to redevelop and EV market, while Tata Steel in War- Transportation that would fund an stall in-road charging capabilities, diversify its economy. ren produces specialty metals used in engineering study. The study would a concept under study at Purdue “It’s a great thing for the commu- battery casings. focus on high-tech transportation University and Utah State University, nity,” Stockburger says. “We’re going “As we see the routes mostly along Bailey Road and says Jim Kinnick, executive director to be in a good position to make sure turning to electrification, we are in a state Route 45 – parallel thoroughfares at Eastgate. we’re able to provide the workforce very good position to have an eco- that extend north and south from In-road charging would allow an and the research capabilities to ensure nomic resurgence,” Stockburger says. North Jackson to Lordstown. autonomous or electric-powered ve- they’re not just competitive but domi- Major developments such as hicle to recharge its battery in a des- nant in the energy storage market.” Infrastructure Improvements, Lordstown Motors, Ultium and TJX ignated shoulder lane along a quarter- Plus, the confluence of the Ultium Sophisticated Logistics HomeGoods’ $160 million distribu- mile stretch of highway as it moves at and Lordstown Motors projects has Sparking potential growth in and tion center nearing completion along a speed of about 40 miles per hour. spurred interest from early-stage around the Lordstown area is an Bailey Road would be in the heart “Instead of plugging in, you could companies in the EV market that are ambitious plan to invest millions of of the network. Another element pick up enough charge to go another interested in perfecting their research dollars in infrastructure improve- critical to the project is the $1 billion 100 miles or so,” Kinnick says. and growing business here. ments that would make the Mahoning Lordstown Energy Center, a natural- Kinnick and Hripko believe the “We’ve had companies from Can- Valley among the most technologically gas-powered electric generation plant Lordstown corridor would provide an ada and as far as The Netherlands sophisticated logistics centers in the commissioned two years ago. A sec- ideal location to pilot this technology. that are looking at the Voltage Valley United States. ond plant, the Energy Cen- Eastgate received $2.5 million from

With its $2.3 billion investment to mass- 2020 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESULTS produce battery cells for electric vehicles, ULTIUM CELLS is focused on the Investment $2,839,953,073 future of the transportation industry. As New jobs 3,123 production will begin in 2022, the company New payroll $145,662,301 is expected to employ more than 1,100 personnel at its 2.7 million square-foot Retained jobs 594 facility. The Regional Chamber supported Retained payroll $28,108,208 the company’s site selection process and continues to assist by navigating opportunities and challenges related to Ultium Cells’ utility, New or absorbed square feet 3,725,000 workforce, supply chain and transportation needs.

The Regional Chamber’s Economic Development team is proud to be managing more than $1.5 billion of pending investment! M&M INDUSTRIES recently announced a $37 million investment in real For economic development estate and machinery and equipment that will assistance, please contact: result in the creation of 106 new jobs and SARAH BOYARKO the installation of a rail spur to receive raw COO & Senior Vice President, materials used to manufacture its products. Economic Development The Regional Chamber managed the incentive coordination process and the necessary 100 E. Federal St., Suite 500, Youngstown, OH 44503 approvals and continues to be a resource as the company begins to renovate and expand its 330.744.2131, ext. 1108 [email protected] new facility in Lordstown. The Business Journal Growth Report 2021 • 5

Across the region, the signs of sweeping transformation are evident – indeed, the most profound transformation in more than a half century.

GM’s settlement with the state – mon- establishing criteria for private enter- ing the economy, Moliterno says. The collaborations that followed ey Kinnick says could be used to lever- prise through the National Institute of “We’re helping to buy and sell proper- proved critical in a time of crisis as age other funding opportunities such Science and Technology. It has since ties to create jobs,” he says. the COVID-19 pandemic began to as a $10 million Build grant from the expanded to include community and Among the projects the port au- rampage through the Mahoning Val- U.S. Department of Transportation. economic development organizations. thority has facilitated are five new stu- ley, Roller says. DOT rejected an earlier application Participating in the program is a dent-housing developments around A consortium composed of the for a grant in support of the project. consortium of community leaders: YSU; renovation of the Harshman Wean, Youngstown and Community The ultimate goal is to attract di- Eastgate, the Youngstown/Warren Building in downtown Youngstown foundations distributed more than verse industries, Kinnick says. “We Regional Chamber, the Western Re- for expansion of Eastern Gateway $2.5 million to those in need as the want to populate that vacant land with serve Port Authority, the Youngstown Community College; the repurposing pandemic intensified, Roller says. warehouses, distribution centers and Foundation, The Raymond John Wean of the former Score building in Warren “When COVID hit, we had already manufacturers.” Foundation, the Community Foun- to a winery along the Mahoning River; built this relationship,” she says. “We Vital to this effort are private- dation of the Mahoning Valley, YSU, and the redevelopment of the former came together and were able to launch public partnerships. Eastern Gateway Community College Youngstown Developmental Center an application within days.” Two years ago, Eastgate received and Mercy Health Foundation. campus in Austintown. The joint effort focused on areas a $10.85 million Build grant to fund “We’re pleased to be participat- “None of us can do everything. where racial and income inequities the nearly $27 million Smart2 corridor ing in this partnership to ensure We’ve worked with all of these entities were most apparent – housing, food along Fifth Avenue in Youngstown. that we’re strategiz- – the chamber, YSU, insecurities and educational opportu- This was made possible because of ing, communicating county officials, cit- nity gaps, Roller says. The foundations partnerships with YSU, Mercy Health’s and prioritizing eco- ‘In 2020, we did more housing ies, development and awarded monies to those in need of St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, nomic development, repair projects than any other community agencies, help to pay their rents, home repairs the city and other entities. The first health and safety labor organizations and remote learning efforts. two phases that involve roadwork and the quality of year,’ says the executive direc- and businesses – to For example, the group contrib- are expected to be finished in 2022, life throughout the tor of the Youngstown Neigh- do it the right way,” uted $75,000 to a larger state fund that while a third phase – the addition of Mahoning Valley,” Moliterno says. matched another $225,000 to help an autonomous shuttle – would be says Sarah Boyarko, borhood Development Corp., remote learning programs in the area. completed last. chief operating of- Ian Beniston. The organization Grassroots “It leveraged $300,000 total,” “The entire community collabo- ficer and vice presi- Leadership Roller says. School districts in Warren, rated on that project,” Hripko says. dent of economic repaired 123 roofs last year, Improving quality Youngstown, Struthers, Campbell and It was this collaboration that led to development at the compared to 60 in 2019. In all, of life is an essential the Mahoning County Education Ser- the Mahoning Valley’s recognition in chamber. element of economic vice Center all received help from the January from the Baldrige Communi- “Economic devel- YNDC repaired more than 302 transformation – par- effort. The consortium also worked ties of Excellence 2026 program. opment is always a occupied houses, 36 of which ticularly in urban with the Second Harvest Food Bank to The program, established by the team effort,” adds centers, community distribute and provide meals, she says. Washington, D.C.-based Baldrige John Moliterno, CEO were full renovations. Another leaders say. Likewise, the Wean Foundation’s Foundation, recognized business of the Western Re- 19 vacant houses were reno- Often, this begins long-standing partnerships with com- and community partnerships in the serve Port Authority. at the ground level as munity development corporations Mahoning Valley for achieving a “true Over the past two vated, Beniston says. community groups are central to transforming inner-city transformation” since the collapse of decades, the port au- tackle poverty, low- neighborhoods. the steel industry in the late 1970s and thority has evolved from an organiza- income housing, neighborhood blight, “In 2020, we did more housing early 1980s. tion that oversees the Youngstown/ racial disparities and the nutritional repair projects than any other year,” “It is heartening to watch Youngs- Warren Regional Airport to an essen- health of those in need. says the executive director of the town revitalize itself and use the tial participant in economic develop- “Collaboration is imperative,” Youngstown Neighborhood Develop- Baldrige framework to do it,” Bald- ment projects throughout Mahoning says Jennifer Roller, president of the ment Corp., Ian Beniston. The orga- rige CEO Al Faber told community and Trumbull counties. Warren-based Wean Foundation. nization repaired 123 roofs last year, stakeholders via Zoom during the The most recent example is the Several years ago, Roller says compared to 60 in 2019. In all, YNDC award presentation Jan. 5. “It is true pending acquisition of nearly 1,000 she reached out to the heads of The repaired more than 302 occupied transformation and true change.” vacant acres in Warren that once were Youngstown Foundation and the Com- houses, 36 of which were full renova- Faber is a 1979 graduate of Chaney home to Republic Steel, donated to munity Foundation of the Mahoning tions. Another 19 vacant houses were High School. the agency by the landowner, BDM Valley and other philanthropic groups. renovated, Beniston says. The Baldrige program raises aware- Warren Steel Holdings. “We began to meet for coffee and “We can’t do these without our ness about excellence in driving the Establishing control of available lunches – just to get to know each partnerships.” U.S. and global economies, initially land is a ground floor step in rebuild- other,” she recalls. “That was key.” See TRANSFORMATION, page 6 6 • Growth Report 2021 The Business Journal

TRANSFORMATION, from page 5 melite Monastery into a neighborhood Manufacturers Coalition. The group is the entire state” action center and upstairs apartments, composed of about 40 manufacturers, Moreover, Garvey credits the Beniston says the area’s lending Beniston says. educators and workforce development Youngstown Business Incubator – a institutions also are critical players specialists who came together to facili- business accelerator focused on high in neighborhood revitalization. Local Workforce, Business Development tate the training and recruitment of tech and advanced manufacturing banks and foundations have made Interaction within the business the next generation of workers. companies – as a catalyst for his busi- it possible for YNDC to build new community, cooperation and col- The coalition has achieved great ness and the entire Mahoning Valley. houses and improve older housing laboration is essential to the region’s success in establishing apprenticeship “That was my gateway into . And they’ve supported YNDC transformation – from helping tech and training programs. Youngstown when I moved here 20 efforts to rehabilitate vacant commer- startups to manufacturers pursuing On Jan. 14, MVMC received $1.5 years ago,” he says. With the help of cial buildings, he says. new markets and every business sec- million from the GM clawback settle- YBI and its recently retired CEO, Jim “This past year, we’ve had more tor, says Ron Emery, board chairman ment to support community work- Cossler, Garvey transformed his fam- foundation and bank support than of the Youngstown chapter of Score, force development efforts. The coali- ily’s traditional machine shop into a ever,” Beniston says. “They’ve really a national business mentoring orga- tion will partner with America Makes high-tech, sophisticated operation stepped up to the plate.” nization. and Brite Energy Innovators to step dedicated to metrology, 3D imaging, YNDC relies on other partners “Where we help is in scalability,” up awareness of advanced production modeling and manufacturing. such as the Mahoning County Land Emery says. The local chapter uses methods such as additive manufactur- As he became more involved with Bank, housing developers, the city of about 40 mentors with experience ing and to provide career guidance to organizations such as America Makes, Youngstown and the Western Reserve in business and entrepreneurship. “I middle and secondary school students Garvey expanded into additive manu- Port Authority, Beniston says. have a combination of young mentors and the existing workforce. facturing with Center Street Technolo- YNDC recently performed a city- who think out of the box and a lot of “We’re excited about it,” says Jes- gies, establishing one of the largest 3D wide housing market analysis of older people,” he says. sica Borza, executive director of the printers in the world. owner-occupied properties. More It’s important for business people coalition. “There’s a lot of work to “We’ve done a lot of collaboration than half of these households are to listen to other executives or man- do in this space and a lot of partners through all of our networks,” he says. considered low-income. agers, Emery says, and Score helps to involved.” “The U.S. Air Force Research Labora- “Housing is more important than it coordinate these relationships. Michael Garvey, a founding mem- tory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ever has been,” Beniston says, reflect- “It’s about knowing who those ber of MVMC and president of M-7 Siemens Corp., JobsOhio and others.” ing on the pandemic’s impact. “More players are that can help give creative Technologies and Center Street Tech- America Makes, the first national people are staying home. And we have solutions to people seeking entre- nologies in Youngstown, says the advanced manufacturing lab in the a serious housing-quality challenge preneurial help,” he says. “If you are organization has had a major impact United States formed during the in the city.” willing to listen, you can come up with across Ohio. Obama Administration, was especially This year, YNDC plans to construct some creative solutions.” “They brought the entire manufac- important. “That was a big thing for two houses in the Volney neighbor- One of the most creative – and col- turing community together,” Garvey us, and the region,” Garvey says. hood, not far from where the non- laborative – solutions was the forma- says. “They all got a seat at the table Together in transformation: It’s profit rehabilitated the former Car- tion in 2011 of the Mahoning Valley to shape curriculum. It’s a model for working.