Economy
Ladle Spill Causes Fire at AK Steel Middletown
Written by Sandy Williams
January 21, 2018
AK Steel has confirmed that a ladle used in the steelmaking process at the company’s Middletown Works malfunctioned around 8 a.m. Saturday morning, releasing liquid steel into the facility. The spill caused a fire that drew crews from four area fire departments who worked for over two hours to contain the blaze.
A spokesperson for AK Steel said all employees are accounted for and none suffered any injuries from the incident. Cleanup efforts are under way. “We are looking into the cause of the situation and have no further information at this time,” the company said.
Heavy smoke was reported coming from an AK Steel structure in the 3400 block of Lefferson Road in Middletown, Ohio, around 8:30 a.m. The fire was under control around 11 a.m. One firefighter with the Middletown Fire Department suffered minor injuries, according to local press reports.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
Architecture firms struggle through April
For the third month in a row, architecture firms reported a reduction in billings through April, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index release.
House committee blocks GOP budget proposal
The budget proposal has big implications for steel and manufacturing.
Manufacturing in New York state contracts again in May
Manufacturing activity in New York state declined for the third consecutive month, according to the May Empire State Manufacturing Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Responding firms continue to forecast weaker business conditions in the coming months.
Chicago Business Barometer falls back in April, remains in contraction
The Chicago Business Barometer declined in April, reversing March’s gains, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Fewer manufacturers optimistic about the economy
PMA’s April report shows that only 16% of surveyed manufacturers anticipate an increase in economic activity in the next three months (down from 23% in March)