McKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) — The state attorney general's office claimed Thursday that a western Pennsylvania company violated a state law that prohibits the use of foreign-made steel on public works projects.
The office sued Ryco Fire Protection Services of McKeesport, related businesses and officials of the companies, asking for civil penalties for what it said was the use of hundreds of fittings and hangers made in China and Poland.
The companies allegedly used the foreign steel on student housing projects at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and building renovations for the Blairsville-Saltzburg School District under contracts worth about $800,000.
Attorney General Linda Kelly said the foreign manufactured material was cheaper than similar American-made items, giving Ryco an unfair competitive advantage.
The lawsuit claims the material violated the Pennsylvania Steel Product Procurement Act, and asks for the company to be barred from bidding on public projects for five years.
A phone message left at Ryco headquarters was not immediately returned.
