Sen. Brown asks Lordstown Motors for plan to deliver on promises
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is asking Lordstown Motors Corporation to develop a plan to deliver on promises to create jobs here in the valley.
The Ohio Democrat announced on Tuesday that he has written to newly appointed LMC Chairwoman Angela Strand to develop and share what Sen. Brown called a detailed plan for the company’s reform and to work with area labor unions.
Last November, Lordstown Motors projected that it would have 1,500 employees by the end of 2021.
Expressing concern about recent investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Justice, Brown asked LMC to do more to prove it will deliver on promises of job creation and manufacturing innovation.
“Your company arrived in the Mahoning Valley with the stated desire to turn this area into ‘Voltage Valley.’ Lordstown Motors owes the Valley the next-generation electric future it was promised,” said Brown. “To that end, I ask that you develop, and share with me, a detailed plan on how you intend to reform your corporate practices to provide greater transparency for workers, investors, and the community by the end of the month.”
Brown is also asking Strand to partner with organized labor, saying the relationship would allow the company to gain the trust of the community, lead to less employee turnover, and generate higher rates of productivity.
“I urge you to create a collaborative partnership with organized labor to produce the innovations in zero-emission vehicles we all want to see while investing in your greatest asset: Ohio workers,” said Brown.
Brown’s announcement came on the same day that a New York Times headline characterized the current situation facing Lordstown Motors as a “debacle”.
In addition to federal probes, LMC is the subject of several lawsuits by investors, the resignation of two top executives, and falling stock value.
Sen. Brown's letter may be read below: