Area Development
Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal, a steel and mining company, is making a $50 million capital investment to modernize and upgrade its coke production facility in Monessen, Pennsylvania, with plans to hire an estimated 113 additional workers

The investment will allow ArcelorMittal to restart coke production at its manufacturing complex, located at 345 Donner Avenue in Monessen, a city southeast of Pittsburgh, which has been idled since May 2009, and retain 67 current employees.

"The decision to move forward with this restart represents a significant investment in the long-term viability of ArcelorMittal Monessen's coke operations," said Paul Champagne, Plant Manager, ArcelorMittal Monessen. "There is no doubt that the leadership and dedication of the Monessen workforce contributed to our plant receiving the investment allocation. We look forward to working with our employees, the United Steelworkers and our contractors on a safe and successful upgrade and restart."

The $50 million investment includes installing a modern wastewater treatment facility, and significant upgrades that will improve employee safety, enhance environmental performance and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility, he said.

"This investment will create jobs and grow the economy in Southwestern Pennsylvania," said U.S. Senator Bob Casey. "Good-paying, middle class jobs are critical to getting the economy on the right track, and I'm confident that the region's stellar workforce will make a major difference for ArcelorMittal."

Upon completion of the improvements and restart, the company anticipates that the Monessen facility will employ a total workforce of approximately 180 permanent positions.

"This is great news for the region," said U.S. Congressman Bill Shuster. "ArcelorMittal is tripling its workforce and bringing over 100, good-paying jobs to Monessen, putting hardworking people back to work. Their $50 million investment in this plant will bring much needed growth and stability."

ArcelorMittal acquired the Monessen coke plant, located on 45 acres along the Monongahela River in Westmoreland County, Pa., in October 2008. The facility is capable of producing approximately 370,000 tons of metallurgical coke per year and is one of three coke production facilities that ArcelorMittal operates in the United States. The additional coke capacity will be used in the company's North American operations to partially offset potential spot coke purchases.

ArcelorMittal Monessen intends to restart coke operations by May 2014. ArcelorMittal officials said the company is working cooperatively with regulatory agencies to attain necessary approvals needed to break ground.