WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the expected announcement from Republic Steel today that it will install a new electric arc furnace at its facility in Lorain, an investment worth more than $85 million. The project is expected to create over 400 jobs. A member of Brown’s staff attended the announcement, which was scheduled for 1:00 PM in Lorain today.
“Today’s announcement represents a significant step toward new jobs and the re-employment of hundreds of steelworkers who have been anxiously awaiting a call back to work. These dedicated employees and their families have been living with uncertainly for the past few years and deserve an opportunity to put their considerable skills back to work,” Brown said. “Republic Steel and their employees are looking forward to a brighter future equipped with the knowledge that comes from our state’s proud tradition of making quality steel—and Republic Steel can rest assured that it is making an investment with one of the finest workforces in the world right here in Lorain.”
Brown has been a strong supporter of Ohio’s steel industry. In December 2009 and September 2010, Brown testified before the ITC on behalf of Ohio steel workers including those at U.S. Steel in Lorain, V&M STAR in Youngstown, and Wheatland Tube Co. in Warren. The ITC's ruling in the December 2009 case led to a border measure on imports to support domestic producers of steel pipe like V&M Star and Wheatland Tube in Warren. By addressing illegal Chinese trade practices, this decision helped increase demand for domestic production. It also played a critical role in V&M Star's decision to build a new, $650 million seamless pipe mill in Youngstown, bringing an estimated 350 regional jobs along with it.
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