Temporary closure at Portland meltshop of Oregon Steel
The US minimill Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. which is a producer of specialty and commodity steel mill products for domestic and international markets, announced recently that its Portland, Oregon rolling mill will resume operations on January 13, 2003. However the meltshop, will be temporarily shut down as of January 17, 2003. The shut down is expected to effect 300 employees, due to reduction in the operations.
According to the announcement made by the company officials, such decision is caused by the sluggish market conditions for
pipe and
plate products and their consequent result of high
slab inventory levels.
President and CEO of the company Joe Corvin emphasizes the temporary status of the closure and, once the market conditions allow the company, they are intending to recall the laid off employees.
The division's heat treat facility processing much of its specialty steel
plate will remian in operation.
Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. is organised in two divisions. The Oregon Steel Division produces steel
plate, coil and welded
pipe from plants located in Portland, Oregon, Napa, California and Camrose, Alberta,
Canada. The Rocky Mountain Steel Mills Division, located in Pueblo, Colorado, produces steel rail, rod, bar and
tubular products.