In a company statement, it was emphasized, “US Steel will continue to supply plate to Granite City. Our goal was to maintain flexibility, and we are pleased to have found a solution to continue plate consumption in Granite City.”
In recent weeks, the company had stated that it would stop shipping plate to its Metro East facility by the end of October, with plate to be processed at larger plants in Indiana and Pennsylvania. However, with the new decision, the company has taken a step to sustain production line activities in Granite City.
The decision is seen as part of the new strategy of US Steel, which has been acquired by Nippon Steel. Under an agreement between Nippon and the Trump administration, the facility is protected until June 2027 against closure, sale, or suspension of production without government approval.
Craig McKey, president of the local chapter of the United Steelworkers union, stated, “We feel we have won a small victory here. But the long-term future of Granite City is still uncertain. We will continue to fight to secure a lasting future for our members and our community.”
Both blast furnaces at the facility have remained idle since late 2023. Granite City has been operating only by processing plate shipped from other regions.
The timing of US Steel’s decision, coming just before a rally scheduled for Saturday, drew attention. USW International President David McCall and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski are expected to speak at the event.
Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik stated in a joint announcement, “We are very pleased with US Steel’s decision to continue steel plate processing operations at Granite City Works. This decision is a victory.”
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