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Mittal extends Weirton blast furnace outage

Mittal Steel has decided that a lengthier outage, with accompanying layoffs, is necessary at its plant in Weirton, W.Va.

The blast furnace that smelts iron for the steelmaking operations at Mittal Steel USA - Weirton had been idled for about 10 days, and was to be reactivated June 9, as announced earlier.

"However, the market conditions that led to the earlier decision haven't improved," said Bill Brake, executive vice president, operations east. "We've decided that it's better long-term for the business and for the Weirton plant and its employees to use the next few days to prepare the equipment for a longer outage. We'll bring it back up when the market tells us that the time is right."

Brake estimated an eight- to 10-week outage, starting June 8, based on the current outlook. But he said it will be shorter or longer depending on the company's close monitoring of the climate for Weirton's products. The company already had planned on a plantwide vacation for the last week of July.

While a small crew will stay on to keep the ironmaking and steelmaking equipment ready for a quick return, Brake said about 700 employees will be laid off.

During this outage, Weirton will continue to manufacture and process product for its customers using slabs provided by other Mittal Steel USA operations.