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    Market Segment

    March 29, 2020

    AK Steel to Idle Dearborn Furnace and Rockport Works

    Written by Sandy Williams

    AK Steel will idle the C blast furnace at Dearborn Works beginning this week for an undetermined period of time. Dearborn has been impacted by recent shutdowns in the automotive industry and has been criticized for its handling of safety measures during the coronavirus crisis. At least one employee at Dearborn has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

    UAW Local 600 posted a notice to members on Friday that operations will be idled and commended Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves for “making the decision to put our people’s health and safety first.”

    Sandy Williams

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    SMU Profile: Worthington’s Gilmore speaks on ‘tough’ market, Kloeckner integration

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    Ternium plans February start for new slab mill, sees Mexico prices rising

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    Steel groups address Democrat gains in midterms

    The Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) and the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) have weighed in on yesterday’s midterm elections that saw Democrats gain control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “Last night's elections delivered historic gains for Democrats in Congress,” SMA EVP Brandon Farris said in a statement to SMU on Wednesday. “Thankfully, a strong American steel industry transcends party lines." He said SMA's mission remains clear. It includes defending “the policies that have helped drive historic investment, strengthen American manufacturing, secure reliable and affordable energy, and ensure domestic steelmakers can compete on a level playing field.”