Mittal Closes Weirton Hot Mill

By GIOVANNI P. ROSSI
WEIRTON — More than 200 layoffs and the demolition or sale of some steelmaking facilities are anticipated in Weirton, as Mayor Mark Harris has been notified that Arcelor Mittal will close its hot mill there soon.

According to Harris, Mike LaWell from the public relations firm Public Affairs Associates contacted him and City Manager Gary DuFour and told them the hot mill would be shut down due to significant financial losses involved with keeping it open.

“The city has yet to receive the WARN Act,” said DuFour. “Discussions are currently being held with the union, and it is my understanding that we will receive it afterward.”

The Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act helps ensure advance notice in cases of qualified plant closings and mass layoffs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

LaWell told Harris Arcelor Mittal is discussing severance packages for about 250 employees and that the layoff process would take 60-90 days, according to the mayor.

“I was surprised when I got the call,” Harris said. “It is sad that we are losing the hot mill, but there seems to be a positive side.”

The mayor said Mittal has made several positive capital improvements and investments toward improving the tin mill facility. LaWell informed Harris that Arcelor Mittal has placed its focus on becoming a “very serious and competitive” tin mill operation.

LaWell also said Arcelor Mittal was considering selling unused portions of the mill to interested parties. One such portion is the open hearth, for which Arcelor Mittal recently gave the approval for demolition.

“Getting rid of the abandoned sections of the mill is really a plus for the city,” said Harris. “If the plan is not to have them reopened, then it would be beneficial to get rid of them and help clean up the downtown area.”