A new chapter is turning in Lordstown. It’s one that could not have been written without the perseverance, vision and collaborative spirit of an entire community.

Foxconn’s announcement to sell its Lordstown manufacturing plant, while continuing operations at the sprawling 6.2-million-square-foot complex formerly operated by General Motors, is more than a real estate transaction. It’s a defining moment for the Mahoning Valley that’s been years in the making.

To fully appreciate where we are today, let’s reflect on how we got here.

Back in November 2018, when GM announced its intention to close the plant, the Mahoning Valley was at a crossroads. For more than 50 years, the plant had been a backbone of our economy and a source of pride for generations of skilled workers, their families and the region.

The potential loss was devastating and draped a heavy cloud over what should have been a joyous holiday season. I still vividly recall being at the UAW Local 1112 union hall a few days after Christmas to accept a $15,000 check from officials at the Lordstown Energy Center to support Drive It Home Ohio. It was a generous and meaningful show of support, but I didn’t want to be there for that reason. None of us did. We didn’t want to be collecting donations to fight for our survival. We wanted to be celebrating growth, not battling to ward off plant closure.

But we didn’t sit still.

Drive It Home Ohio, a unified campaign of labor, business, the community and government, mobilized into action. We met with state lawmakers in Columbus, showed our resolve at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and blanketed the media with a message that echoed far beyond our borders: Lordstown is open for business — and ready for the future.

But that campaign wasn’t just about GM. It was about creating the conditions for the next opportunity, whoever the partner might be. We made sure the world knew this region is rich with manufacturing talent, a community that collaborates and has the grit to win.

That effort, it turns out, we believe resonated clearly with Foxconn.

Since entering the Valley three years ago, Foxconn has proven to be an engaged, forward-looking corporate citizen. Now, with news of a new ownership partner for the plant, we’re poised to scale even greater heights. While we await further announcements from Foxconn, it’s clear the groundwork laid through vision and unity is bearing fruit.

We believe the Lordstown factory will support artificial intelligence data centers. This bold shift from auto manufacturing would signal a powerful bet on our future — anchoring the Valley in the fast-growing, global sectors of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced supply chains. It also brings new life to one of our most iconic industrial assets, returning it to the forefront of modern manufacturing.

At the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, our focus is on growing population, talent, housing and other aspects of economic and community development to attract advanced manufacturing and high-tech investment — efforts we undertake in close collaboration with aligned, key partners. Foxconn’s continued presence, as well as the arrival of their new partner, validates this strategy.

This momentum is only possible because of consistent, collaborative action across our region. Public, private and philanthropic organizations have leaned in — not just to keep jobs here, but to redefine what’s possible.

Now, we are seeing the result: a once-idled plant is poised to be transformed into a launchpad for innovation and sustained economic strength.

Let’s keep driving it home.

Guy Coviello is president and CEO of the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber.