REGION

REGION
Steel production,employment decline
COLUMBUS -- Leading indicators for Ohio steel producers fell dramatically in the first half of this year, the Ohio Steel Council said Thursday.
Production was 7.5 million tons, a 14 percent drop from the first half of last year. Shipments also fell 14 percent to 7.2 million tons.
Employment was about 21,400 in the first half of this year, a 10 percent drop. Capital spending was $64 million, which was a 51 percent decline.
Vindicator staff report