SoftBank to invest $3 billion in Ohio factory for OpenAI data center: Report
SoftBank's bold $3 billion plunge into Ohio's Lordstown facility signals more than just a factory makeover — it's a vivid testament to AI's sprawling footprint reshaping American industrial landscapes. Once an echo of the automotive era, this plant will now churn out modular data centers poised to power OpenAI’s ambitious $500 billion Stargate initiative, making Ohio a pivotal node in the AI web. For those nostalgic about gas and gears, this transformation might sound like science fiction, but it's the techno-reality of 2025.
Strategically acquired in August 2025 by a SoftBank affiliate for $375 million, the Lordstown plant’s metamorphosis involves manufacturing pre-assembled modular data center units critical to AI infrastructure deployment across the U.S., including key sites in Texas. This investment aligns with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's renewed AI focus, notably after divesting its Nvidia stake. The factory is scheduled to begin production early in 2026, contributing to the five new AI data centers under the Stargate project, which is already ahead of schedule toward its goal of securing a $500 billion, 10-gigawatt nationwide capacity by the end of the year. Local officials and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber laud the development as a transformational economic and technological pivot for the Mahoning Valley region.
