Liberty Steel Announces Temporary Production Suspension at Georgetown Steel Plant

Liberty Steel has decided to temporarily halt production at its Georgetown steel mill for at least three months. This decision is attributed to the weak global economic conditions caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

According to a company press release, the decision could affect nearly 130 employees at the wire rod mill, who will be temporarily laid off or transferred. They will be eligible for unemployment insurance and government unemployment support. Several workers will be retained for maintenance work. The mill is currently under maintenance and will be reopened following a marked improvement in economic conditions.

Gregory Jones, CEO of Liberty Steel, noted that the decision to temporarily close the plant was difficult. The company is in talks with city and government officials about a long-term plan for the plant and that the steel plant has a great future. Meanwhile, existing orders from the plant will be fulfilled by its Peoria, Illinois factory, Jones added.

The decision received full support from the workers' union. In response to this decision, James Sanderson, president of United Steelworkers Local # 7898, said the decision to shut down the plant fully supports the safety of workers and their families. This indicates the seriousness with which the company is handling the crisis caused by the spread of the pandemic, he added.