US-based steelmaker United States Steel (US Steel) has announced that it has successfully restarted blast furnace B at its Granite City Works facility in Illinois, bringing the unit back into operation after more than two years of idling.
The furnace had been offline since 2023 and is now producing steel again following previously announced plans to restart in response to customer demand.
Restart driven by market requirements
The company initiated the restart process in December 2025 as part of its regular business planning and in line with evolving market conditions. Blast furnace B is one of two furnaces at the Granite City Works site, and its return to operation marks a step toward increasing production capacity.
Focus on safe and reliable operations
US Steel president and CEO David B. Burritt stated that the restart reflects careful preparation and a focus on maintaining safe and reliable operations in a highly competitive and cyclical steel industry.
He added that as production resumes, the company will continue to work closely with employees, the United Steelworkers and local authorities to ensure safe operations at the facility.
