SoftBank to Invest $3B in Ohio Factory for OpenAI Data Centers

What happened

SoftBank will invest up to $3 billion to convert an electric vehicle factory in Lordstown, Ohio, into a facility producing modular data center units for OpenAI. Manufacturing at the Ohio plant is expected to start by early 2026. These modular units will be shipped to OpenAI data center sites, supporting their AI infrastructure expansion.

Why it matters

• The investment supports OpenAI’s rapid scaling of AI data center capacity across the U.S.
• Modular data center production in Ohio enables faster deployment and greater cost efficiency for AI infrastructure.
• This facility is part of a broader $500 billion, 10-gigawatt AI infrastructure commitment involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and partners.

Key facts

1. 1. SoftBank’s investment amount is up to $3 billion.
2. 2. The Ohio factory is located in Lordstown and was formerly an electric vehicle facility.
3. 3. Production of modular data center units is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
4. 4. The modular units will supply OpenAI’s expanding AI data center network.
5. 5. The investment aligns with OpenAI’s Stargate platform aiming for 10 gigawatts of AI infrastructure by the end of 2025.

Key Voices

• SoftBank is leading the investment to build advanced data center equipment supporting OpenAI’s AI infrastructure growth.
• OpenAI is expanding its Stargate AI data center platform with new modular units produced at the Ohio facility.
• Not stated in the article.