Law helps keep RTI in area, exec says

Changing a federal law would threaten a local titanium producer.
By ANDREW GAUG
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
HOWLAND -- Foreign competition caused the steel industry to leave the area. But a federal law that protects the manufacturing of titanium is still keeping that business local -- for now.
At the Law Day 2007 program Tuesday at Leo's Ristorante, Dawne Hickton, chief executive and vice chairwoman of RTI International Metals of Weathersfield, informed pupils from across the area about the Berry Amendment.
The amendment, which Congress passed in 1974, requires only U.S. made titanium be used on military equipment.
RMI Titanium Co., which operates under RTI, is one of only four companies in the world capable of making aerospace-quality titanium. The titanium is used in tanks, planes and jets.
Hickton warned that if the amendment didn't exist, titanium production would most likely have to move out of the area.
"When you have a down market, it protects the core business," she said, "If we didn't have the amendment during that time, we'd go out of business."
Though three out of the four companies capable of making titanium are located in the United States, one in Russia is able to make titanium for a cheaper price.
"Without this law on the books ... our military could open up to an international market," she said.
She cautioned that making titanium in Russia would be cheaper for the United States, but could cause more harm than good.
Differences in employment laws and environmental policies between this country and Russia mean Russian workers would be working for less and causing more pollution than if the titanium were made here, Hickton explained.
Due to the increases in gas prices, Hickton said titanium is in high demand as it is stronger and lighter than steel, which increases fuel efficiency in aircraft. She also said titanium is used for off-shore drilling platforms as it doesn't corrode or rust and is ideal for knee or hip implants because it doesn't have a negative reaction in the human body.
But the Berry Amendment is being threatened.
Hickton said that there have been several attempts to weaken the bill in Congress but that support from local politicians has helped keep it alive.
"Congressman Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, has been a very strong supporter of the amendment," she said.
RMI employs 400 hourly and salaried workers at its Weathersfield mill and 100 workers at its corporate headquarters.
agaug@vindy.com