The industrial economy that drew various groups to the area collapsed in the late 1970s, culminating with the September 19, 1977, closure of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Campbell Works after financial downturn due to changes in the steel manufacturing process and international competition. In response to subsequent challenges, the city has taken well-publicized steps to diversify economically, while building on some traditional strengths.
the inDustrIAl economY thAt drEW vArIOuS groupS to ThE ArEa coLLaPsed in The late 1970S, CuLmiNaTInG WITH the sePtembeR 19, 1977, cLosure of the YoUNgStOWN sHeEt and Tube CampbeLl works afteR fInAncIal downtuRN dUe To chaNgeS IN the steel manUfACTuRing procEss And intErnAtiOnaL Competition. in rEsPoNsE to subSequEnt challeNgeS, thE city has taKEn weLL-publiCized steps To DIVeRsIFy ecOnoMicallY, wHIle BUilding ON some tRAdItiONal sTrengtHs.