wiredInUSA February 2018

Mill set to re-open M A K I N G T H E NEWS

discussion with Georgetown Council about training programs to prepare a new generation of workers for the industry.”

ArcelorMittal, former owner of a Georgetown, South Carolina, steel mill, has finalized the sale of the plant, with new owner Liberty House announcing plans to reopen the mill and resume production during spring 2018. Liberty House, part of London-based international steel firm GFG Alliance, announced the finalization of its purchase and its plans to reopen the mill following “successful negotiations” with the United Steelworkers union, plus state and local governments. Liberty House said in a statement that it will rehire 125 former ArcelorMittal employees, and expand the plant’s workforce to 250 employees in the future. “Under an agreement with the United Steelworkers, the company expects key roles on the furnace, casters and rolling mill to be filled by experienced former employees of the plant,” said Liberty spokesperson Eoghan Mortell. “[Liberty is] also in

Production at the mill will focus on wire rod.

ArcelorMittal first announced a tentative agreement to sell the plant in early 2017. The plant was closed in August 2015, citing economic challenges caused by Chinese imports, domestic competition and some Georgetown-specific production and transportation costs. The mill closed previously in 2009, amid economic struggles, only to reopen in 2011. “Liberty now aims to restore [the plant] to its former position of prominence, and bring hundreds of skilled jobs back to the plant and to the local and state economy.”

Cover image © Copyright 2010 ArcelorMittal – All Rights Reserved

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wiredInUSA - February 2018