BURNS HARBOR, Ind. (AP) — Company and local officials have marked the start of production on a $60 million upgrade of a northwestern Indiana steel mill.
ArcelorMittal held a dedication Thursday of the improvements to its plate mill operation along Lake Michigan in Burns Harbor. Work on the upgrades began last summer and initial production on the new heat treat line started last month.
ArcelorMittal USA President Michael Rippey says executives believe the upgrades help the company remain competitive and help the facility remain viable long-term.
The Times of Munster reports that officials say the upgrades allow the mill to produce its more than 2 million tons of plate a year in less time.
The Post-Tribune of Merrillville reports the project includes new machines to level and cool the steel, which can reach 1,200 degrees.
