Gerdau Ameristeel to close Sands Springs mill in October

Gerdau Ameristeel has issued layoffs to 300 workers at its Sands Springs, Oklahoma mill, with plans to close the mill in October.

Parent company Gerdau is still deciding whether to shut the mill permanently or idle it for two years to make upgrades. The upgrades under consideration would include updates that would allow the mill to meet more stringent environmental standards.

The mill, which produces long products and rail products, will cease operations October 16.

Gerdau Ameristeel acquired the Sand Springs mill, which has been in operation since 1917, through its acquisition of Sheffield Steel Corp, in 2006. At that time of its purchase, the plant had more than 460 employees; however the workforce was cut nearly in half last December, and Ameristeel first warned workers in June that the plant may close.