US Steel to modernize blast furnace at Gary Works

The Board of Directors of US Steel has approved $350 million in funding for a project to replace the blast furnace lining at the Gary Works plant, according to a company statement.

“The repair of blast furnace No. 14 is critical maintenance necessary for Gary Works to continue to meet its commitments to customers and ensure long-term opportunities and capacity for pig iron production,” the company said.

Blast furnace No. 14, the largest of the four at the plant, produces pig iron for high-strength steel using iron ore pellets from Minnesota Ore.

The company will also continue to invest heavily in upgrading its hot rolling mill and steel mill. This upgrade is expected to cost approximately $200 million. US Steel is working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to obtain the necessary permits for these upgrades.

“These Gary Works projects will stimulate American manufacturing and expand opportunities for the people of Indiana,” said David B. Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel.

These achievements are based on strong momentum for US Steel, supported by Nippon Steel’s advanced technologies and its commitment to invest $11 billion by the end of 2028.

In early December, US Steel announced the start of the process of restarting one of two blast furnaces at its Granite City Works facility in Illinois. The decision was made after several months of analyzing market demand, which showed steady growth in orders in key consumer segments.