Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in response to General Motors’ decision to bring more than 1,000 Ohioans back to work in Lordstown:

“I applaud General Motors’ decision to bring more than 1,000 workers back online at the company’s facility in Lordstown. The strength of Ohio’s workforce has laid the foundation for General Motors’ historic success, and skilled Ohioans like those in the Lordstown community will be the bedrock for the company’s fuel-efficient product line going forward.  

“Thanks to Congresswoman Betty Sutton, who spearheaded the successful ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program that helped spur GM’s business decision, and the leadership of Congressman Tim Ryan, who has always fought for Ohio’s autoworkers, more than 1,000 workers are going back to Lordstown. 

“We advocated for these jobs when I, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and other state officials met with General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson and his senior leadership team in Detroit earlier this month.  And we will continue to do everything possible to keep GM jobs in Ohio and to support Ohio workers.