Arcelor Mittal Plant Closes In Conshohocken, Hundreds Laid Off: Union

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — Arcelor Mittal, one of the world's largest steel and mining companies, will idle operations at its Conshohocken plant, the United Steelworkers Union announced in a statement. Hundreds of steel workers will be laid off as a result.

In their statement, United Steelworkers President Leo W. Gerard said that the closure represented a national security risk, as it undermined the ability of the county to produce critical manufacturing without imports.

“The idling of this steel facility and layoff of more than 200 highly skilled steel workers is another direct blow to our national security,” Gerard said. “Our soldiers deployed in harm’s way depend on products made in this facility in building Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Bradley land systems and all Navy Seapower systems. This steel closure is on the (Trump) Administration’s watch. At what point will they conclude their investigation and act?”


Mary Beth Holdford, a spokesperson for Arcelor Mittal, said in an email to Patch that the decision to consolidate their operations was made due to limited demand from key manufacturers, along with the surge in steel imports.

Holdford said that around 150 workers would be laid off. The Union put that number at "more than 200."

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The Department of Commerce has been investigating steel imports and their impact on national security since April, and the union said they were told the situation would be resolved by June.

“Steelworkers are angry that their jobs and national security interests are treated as secondary to tax cuts for the rich and powerful," USW International Vice President Thomas M. Conway added. "Our national security should always come first. Many steel workers being laid off at this facility proudly wore the uniform and are dedicated to making vital equipment for our troops. The Administration’s refusal to act is just another sign that the Washington swamp has not been drained; it is business as usual. The White House needs to get its priorities straight.”

Operations at the Conshohocken plant will be transferred to the Coatesville plant and the Burns Harbor, Indiana plant. The Conshohocken plant will slowly reduce operations over many months, Holdford said.
The plant is located along the Schuylkill River on 900 Conshohocken Road, just outside of Norristown.
Patch has reached out to Arcelor Mittal for comment on this story.

Source: Patch.com