Warren steel mill comes back to life

American ingenuity and Ukranian cash has an abandoned mill producing steel again.

Warren Steel Holdings last month shipped its first order of steel from the Champion Township mill that used to be known as Copperweld Steel and CSC Ltd.

The ingenuity came from people such as Bob Fitch, who was part of the crew that rebuilt the mill’s equipment.

Fitch, a millwright, worked 20 years at the Mahoning Avenue mill under previous owners and never figured he’d be back inside after it closed in 2001. He went to work for a contractor and a welding company but jumped at the chance to return to the mill a year ago.

“Once steel gets in your blood, it stays there,” said the 61-year-old Bristolville resident.

A massive effort restored the mill to working order after damage from neglect and water, as well as vandals and thieves. All of the electronics had been stripped, and copper and other metals had been stolen.

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and at Vindy.com