Key points
- Foxconn and SoftBank will manufacture data center equipment in Ohio.
- The project utilizes Foxconn’s former electric vehicle factory in Lordstown.
- The partnership is part of the Stargate project, aimed at boosting US AI infrastructure.
- SoftBank purchased the Ohio facility for $375 million. The project involves collaboration with OpenAI and Oracle.
Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant, announced a significant partnership with Japan’s SoftBank to establish a data center equipment manufacturing facility in Ohio. This collaboration leverages Foxconn’s former electric vehicle plant in Lordstown, a site recently sold to SoftBank for $375 million.
The project marks a crucial step in the advancement of the Stargate initiative, a joint venture between SoftBank, OpenAI (creators of ChatGPT), and Oracle, designed to bolster America’s artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Foxconn Chairman Young Liu confirmed the partnership, highlighting the strategic importance of the Ohio location. He emphasized the speed and efficiency required for the project, citing power, location, and timely completion as key factors in selecting the site.
Liu stated that both companies agree that Ohio provides the optimal environment to meet these critical needs. The collaboration represents a significant investment in the US AI sector and underscores the growing importance of data center infrastructure in the global technological landscape.
The partnership between Foxconn and SoftBank began development over six months ago, indicating a well-planned and strategically considered venture.
Foxconn will continue its involvement at the Lordstown facility through a newly formed joint venture with SoftBank. This collaboration strategically positions both companies to benefit from the anticipated growth in the AI and data center markets. The project’s scale and ambition solidify its role as a major component of the larger Stargate project.
While SoftBank has yet to release an official statement, the announcement from Foxconn confirms the significant commitment to the Stargate initiative and the ongoing expansion of AI infrastructure within the United States.
The project’s impact on the Ohio economy and the broader US technology landscape is expected to be substantial, creating jobs and contributing to the nation’s technological competitiveness.
