Possible U.S. Steel Sale Could Impact Ohio Valley, Weirton Facility Plans

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The potential sale of U.S. Steel could have significant implications for the Ohio Valley, particularly for a new facility in Weirton where electric transformers will be manufactured.

Cleveland-Cliffs Corporation recently held a news conference to discuss its business acquisitions and ongoing efforts to acquire U.S. Steel.

Lourenco Goncalves, CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, expressed optimism about the project.

"I decided to do it myself, that's what we're doing," Goncalves said. "So the timeline is we're buying equipment right now, and because it's a place that already exists, we have the walls, we have the floor, we have everything, and we have the people! They are super motivated, super excited, and the union workforce is ready to go, and we are going to start building equipment very soon."

Union leaders from United Steelworkers Local 2911 in Weirton welcomed the news, emphasizing the project's importance to the community and national security.

"Yesterday clearly was an unbelievable and important day for Weirton," USW staff representative John Saunders said. "It first established how important we are to national security and his commitment to Weirton."

Mark Glyptis, president of USW Local 2911, highlighted the state's involvement in the project.

"We got the state involved, the state's put money into this project, and we've been working on it ever since, trying to put the pieces together," Glyptis said. "It's very complicated, but when it's completed in its totality, all the employees that worked here will have the opportunity to work at the transformer plant here in Weirton, and if it's successful, it can continue to grow."

Union leaders hope Cleveland-Cliffs, in collaboration with Nucor, will succeed in acquiring U.S. Steel, which would streamline operations in Weirton. Glyptis added,

"It's very exciting, it's big news for the area," Glyptis said. "We'll be going from tin to making transformers, and that's a growth industry, so this thing can grow for years to come."

While a specific opening date for the facility has not been set, union leaders are hopeful it could be operational by the end of the year.

Courtesy: www.wtov9.com