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LORDSTOWN -- The top executive at Lordstown Motors Corp. said the company is "proceeding with business as normal" as it prepares to launch limited production of its battery-powered pickup, the Endurance, in September.
Interim CEO Angela Strand, responding to a letter from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, also said the startup electric truck maker remains fully committed to transforming the Mahoning Valley into "an electric vehicle epicenter."
Brown, a Democrat, this week wrote Strand to ask Lordstown Motors to create and share a plan to reform the company and urge it to develop a partnership with the United Auto Workers, stating failing to work with the union would be a missed opportunity.
He also expressed his concern regarding probes of the company by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"The Valley has seen too many companies make big promises and never follow through. Your board and your predecessor, Steve Burns, made those promises, and now the company needs to fulfill that vision of job creation and manufacturing innovation -- Lordstown Motors owes the Valley the next-generation electric future it was promised," Brown wrote.
Strand did not address the federal investigations or Brown's urging for a restructuring plan, but said "we remain committed to turning the tide of high unemployment in this region by successfully transforming the Mahoning Valley into 'Voltage Valley,' an electric vehicle epicenter."
She wrote, "I agree that workforce development is crucial to our success. We are dedicated to providing all team members with high wages, superior benefits, ownership in the company and opportunities for growth unparalleled in the industry. Our culture and outstanding wages have resulted in Lordstown Motors attracting excellent talent from the region and beyond."
Brown asked Lordstown Motors to work with the UAW and stated concern over reports the company has not responded to a request to meet with the union that was made in a June 15 letter from UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada.
Strand said the company has not received the letter from Estrada.
"I appreciate your continued support of our efforts to revitalize a shuttered plant, transform the Mahoning Valley through job creation and build America's first full-size all-electric pickup truck … I look forward to hosting you for a plant tour or a virtual meeting to address your concerns at your convenience," Strand wrote.
rselak@tribtoday.com