General Motors celebrates half-century in the Mahoning Valley
LORDSTOWN — The General Motors Lordstown Assembly Complex has been a fixture in the Mahoning Valley since vehicles starting rolling off the line in 1966.
The 6.2 million-square-foot plant that occupies 1,100 acres along Interstate 80 can’t be missed.
Even more evident than its visible presence, however, is its economic presence.
With a payroll of 4,500 workers, wages at the plant come out to $388 million annually.
Then, there’s the Chevrolet Cruze.
The Valley’s car has carved out a spot as a top competitor in the compact-car segment and made its presence known.
This month, the plant will open its doors to celebrate 50 years of driving life in the Valley.
“For 50 years, the GM Lordstown plant has produced a number of iconic vehicles, from the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Firebird to full-size vans and the current Chevrolet Cruze,” said Arvin Jones, GM North American manufacturing manager, in a statement. “The success of these products was made possible by the Lordstown employees, as well as numerous suppliers, local and state elected officials and, ultimately, the customers who purchased or leased the Lordstown-produced vehicles.”
At 10 a.m. April 28, 1966, Lordstown’s first car left the assembly line. The four-door Impala sport sedan with fawn trim was built for Martin Chevrolet of Warren.
For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com