Long-expected layoffs begin at W.Va. steel mill

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wdtn.com/Global/story.asp?S=8093538

Associated Press - March 31, 2008 10:55 AM ET

WEIRTON, W.Va. (AP) - Layoffs announced last fall are under way at ArcelorMittal's West Virginia operations.

When they're done, the former Weirton Steel factories across the Ohio River from Steubenville, Ohio, will operate with fewer than 1,000 employees. At its peak a few decades ago, the mills employed some 13,000 people.

ArcelorMittal said in October it would shut down the hot mill. In December, workers converted the final slab into a steel coil.

No raw steel has been made in Weirton since 2005. ArcelorMittal is focused only on Weirton's tin mill operations.

[nxylas]

1. Bad news for the people of Weirton

My wife is from there and it's a total company town. Weirton Steel is the only major employer there, except for Wal-mart and their ilk.