As we heard the many accents, broken English and various languages spoken by business executives from continents around the world, the magnitude of the events earlier in the day came into focus.

We are competing rather successfully on a global scale.

Earlier in the day, Vallourec announced the $48 million investment in its Youngstown operations, strengthening both the region and America’s energy supply chain.

The investment centers on a new Premium Threading Line built within Vallourec’s existing mill. When complete, it will increase the company’s capacity to produce high-torque connections, which are essential for today’s onshore wells with longer laterals.

It’s a targeted upgrade but one with far-reaching implications. By expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities here, Youngstown becomes even more relevant to the nation’s evolving energy needs.

The project also brings immediate local benefits. Forty new full-time positions will be created, adding more than $2.3 million in annual payroll to the community and helping maintain the 1,000 Vallourec jobs already in the Valley. These are jobs that sustain families, allow people to build their lives here and reinforce the region’s manufacturing backbone.

But the importance of this investment isn’t measured only in jobs or dollars. It reflects something deeper: Vallourec’s continued confidence in the American industrial base and in the workers whose skill and resilience define it.

The company has invested more than $1.5 billion in the U.S. over the past 15 years. Choosing to expand again in Youngstown signals a belief that this region can compete and win in a global market.

It’s also important to recognize the broader conditions that make projects like this possible.

A regulatory and policy environment that supports domestic manufacturing and energy independence has played a meaningful role in Vallourec’s decision to expand here. When policies encourage American-made production, companies can plan for the long term, invest in new technology and deepen their commitments to the communities that sustain their operations.

The investment also underscores a trend we’re seeing across the Valley. Companies in multiple sectors are committing to long-term growth here, drawn by the workforce, infrastructure and partnerships that support modern manufacturing. From advanced materials to data infrastructure, the Valley is building a more diverse and resilient economic foundation.

Vallourec’s expansion strengthens that foundation by creating more opportunities within the local supply chain. Companies like Brilex Group, City Machine Technologies and Avalon Holdings stand to benefit as more work stays in the region. These relationships are part of what makes the Valley competitive and why reinvestment here continues to make sense.

This region has received direct foreign investment like this before. However, different this time were the voices. From Asia. From South America. From Europe. From throughout North America. Members of the Vallourec Board of Directors from around the world participated in the news conference and groundbreaking. They held board and committee meetings. They arrived curious. They departed impressed.

That’s because we hosted in true Valley fashion. Distinguished policymakers like Gov. Mike DeWine and Congressman Mike Rulli attended. Multiple economic development agencies including the Regional Chamber, Lake to River Economic Development and JobsOhio demonstrated collaboration.

That was early in the day Nov. 10. That evening Valley business leaders rolled out the red carpet, especially during an exquisite dinner, leaving no doubt about how much we appreciate their investment and allowing us to explain to the captive and captivated audience why future investments make sense here.

We presented how the Valley is moving in a positive direction — how our recent gains in labor force participation, population growth and housing development point to a region rebuilding momentum and preparing for what’s next.

As we interacted with Vallourec board members themselves representing various international companies, we realized this was more than a groundbreaking celebration.

This was a rare opportunity to sparkle on a global stage. That, we dare say, we

did.

Guy Coviello, is president & CEO of the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber. Gary Hauck is president of Vallourec Star.