By Okon Ekpenyong

Governor Mike DeWine, alongside former Lieutenant Governor and current U.S. Senator Jon Husted, joined Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and other company executives and employees to celebrate the grand opening of a new $150 million Stainless Bright Annealing Line at the company’s Coshocton Works facility.

This expansion marks a major investment in Ohio’s manufacturing sector. The new line will produce premium stainless steel for high-end automotive and critical appliance applications using a 100% hydrogen atmosphere—a significant environmental upgrade from the former acid-based process. According to Goncalves, the site will also feature hydrogen recovery units that operate on a 50/50 blend of new and recycled hydrogen, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future.

CEO Goncalves praised the shift toward domestic manufacturing, noting that the White House supports policies that create sustainable, middle-class jobs. He emphasized that producing goods in-state—rather than relying on international supply chains—enables quicker delivery and reduces dependence on imports from places like Finland or Mexico.

“When we build here, we build stronger. We deliver faster. And we support real working families,” Goncalves said, underlining the crucial role of domestic manufacturing in job creation and family support.

Senator Husted echoed that sentiment, stating that President Trump’s “America First” strategy supports initiatives like the Coshocton line by encouraging domestic manufacturing through tariffs and infrastructure investment. He emphasized the importance of such projects for rural Ohio, where job opportunities can be life-changing for families and communities, especially in the face of current economic challenges.

Founded in 1847, Cleveland-Cliffs is North America’s largest flat-rolled steel producer and ranks among the top 25 steel producers globally. With operations across eight U.S. states and parts of Canada, including iron ore mines, hot-briquetted iron plants, and fully integrated steel mills, the company employs approximately 30,000 workers. It plays a critical role in the global supply chain.

Despite the ribbon-cutting celebration, layoffs and project cancellations across Ohio have cast a shadow over the manufacturing landscape. According to data from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS), at least 61 companies have announced major layoffs or closures in Ohio since the start of the year.

Earlier this month, Cleveland-Cliffs also announced the cancellation of a planned $500 million hydrogen-based steel mill in Middletown. The project, which would have created new jobs while advancing clean energy production, was scrapped due to rising tariffs on steel imports and a lack of hydrogen infrastructure.

Governor DeWine emphasized that Ohio remains committed to building a pro-business climate: “The key for any company is understanding the business environment—tax stability, access to water and electricity, and most importantly, a prepared workforce. Whether it’s manufacturing or another sector, Ohio is focused on helping people build their futures.”

He stressed the need to rebuild America’s steel industry for economic growth and national security, reflecting on vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic when foreign supply chains faltered.

“We need domestic capacity. Ohio has the history, the infrastructure, and the talent.”

DeWine also spoke with a Coshocton worker who spoke proudly of the plant’s good wages, benefits, and workplace culture. That, he said, is what the future of American manufacturing should look like.

According to ODJFS, Ohio ranked third in the nation for total manufacturing jobs in 2022, with over 680,000 positions. That same year, OhioMeansJobs listed more than 7,000 open roles in manufacturing.

Major companies like Intel, Ford, and General Motors have invested heavily in Ohio, particularly electric vehicles and semiconductors. The state’s ApprenticeOhio program ranks second nationwide for apprenticeship enrollment, offering workers the opportunity to earn while they learn without the burden of student debt.

Governor DeWine also stressed the importance of youth engagement in career pathways. He spoke with the HR team at Coshocton Works about expanding recruitment and launching Manufacturing Day events in local schools.

“So many young people simply don’t know what manufacturing looks like today. It’s not their parents’ or grandparents’ factory floor. These are clean, high-tech environments with room to grow,” DeWine said, inspiring and motivating the next generation of workers in the manufacturing sector.

He encouraged students—especially those in Coshocton County and nearby Newark—to explore opportunities at Cleveland-Cliffs and similar companies, citing the high quality of life and job accessibility in the region.

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