General Motors has confirmed that it is in discussions with Workhorse Group and an affiliated, newly formed entity to sell the company’s Lordstown Complex in Lordstown, Ohio.
The move – which was informally announced by US President Donald Trump earlier – has the potential to bring significant production and electric vehicle assembly jobs to the plant, says GM.
Upon final agreement, the entity, led by Workhorse founder Steve Burns, would acquire the facility. Workhorse would hold a minority interest in the new entity.
Workhorse CEO Duane Hughes, says: “This potential agreement creates a positive outcome for all parties involved and will help solidify the leadership of Workhorse’s role in the EV community.”
Burns says: “The first vehicle we would plan to build if we were to purchase the Lordstown Complex would be a commercial electric pickup, blending Workhorse’s technology with Lordstown’s manufacturing expertise.”
Since last November, GM has been in discussions with the UAW union regarding the impact of changing market conditions on the Lordstown facility. These discussions will include this opportunity.
Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO, says: “We remain committed to growing manufacturing jobs in the US, including in Ohio, and we see this development as a potential win-win for everyone.
“Workhorse has innovative technologies that could help preserve Lordstown’s more than 50-year tradition of vehicle assembly work.”
Upon final agreement with all parties, work could begin immediately to prepare the facility for new production.
Today, GM also announced it is creating 450 new manufacturing jobs in Ohio at its facilities in Toledo, Moraine and Parma.
