Steel Product Producers
Zekelman subsidiary Wheatland Tube set to close Chicago plant
Written by Ethan Bernard
October 1, 2024
Wheatland Tube, a subsidiary of Zekelman Industries, is closing a tube facility in Chicago, with nearly 240 workers being laid off.
An Illinois WARN Notice filed on Sept. 6 showed the first layoff date was scheduled for Nov. 1.
Zekelman Industries said a significant contributing factor for the closing is the “surge” of imported steel conduit from Mexico, according to a statement sent to SMU dated Sept. 25.
“All we ask is for our trade agreements to be enforced,” Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said in the statement. “Instead, there will be Americans out of work at a company that pays life-sustaining wages and benefits.”
Jennifer Murphy, vice president of HR at Zekelman, said that to the greatest extent possible, the company has offered impacted employees the opportunity to transfer to positions matching their skill sets at other company facilities.
“For employees who are not interested in transferring, or for whom opportunities are not available, we will offer broad transition support inclusive of severance and outplacement services,” she added.
Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Steel Product Producers
ArcelorMittal plans wire-drawing closure in Hamilton, shifts production to Montreal
ArcelorMittal’s (AM) Hamilton location to be shuttered, wire production shifting to Montreal.
USS, Nippon Steel quiet as litigation deadline approaches
There has been little word from U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel, or the White House since President Trump endorsed the companies’ “partnership” on social media and celebrated it at the May 30 rally outside Pittsburgh.
AISI: April mill shipments fall, sheet down YTD
US steel mills saw a decline in shipments from March to April.
Hybar rolls first rebar, ramping up Arkansas mill commissioning
The startup steelmaker produced its first rebar at its greenfield steel mill in Osceola, Ark., marking a key milestone by completing construction in 22 months.
Goncalves: Despite higher tariffs, two Cliffs mills to remain idled
Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President, and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said he would keep one mill idled and still plans to idle another despite increased protections from Section 232 tariffs doubling to 50%.