HARRISBURG – Sept. 17, 2012 – State Sen. Tim Solobay today praised the decision by the world’s largest steel producer to invest $50 million at its Monessen coke operations and re-hire more than 100 employees.
“This announcement continues the momentum this region has seen toward economic recovery and recognizes the quality of the local workforce,” Solobay said. “This investment is tremendous news for region and its families.”
ArcelorMittal, a company with annual revenues of more than $90 billion, announced today that its Monessen coke facility will re-open in 2014, after it completes work to improve safety, production and environmental performance.
The facility has been closed since 2009, after worldwide demand for steel plummeted during the recession.
“ArcelorMittal has indicated that their intention is to keep the plan open for the long term,” Solobay said. “That should help provide stability to the local economy and it will make other companies consider investing in the region.”
The company plans to have a Monessen workforce of 180 employees, Solobay said.
The Monessen operation, one of three the company maintains in the United States, can produce approximately 370,000 tons of metallurgical coke per year.
Demand for coke has nearly returned to its pre-recession level, Solobay said, partially fuelled by Marcellus Shale drilling.
“The energy industry uses a lot of steel and produces low-cost fuel for the steel makers,” he said. “That’s good news for everyone in south-western Pennsylvania.
