Business Digest

REGION

Legislators send letter seeking restart of plants

YOUNGSTOWN — Three Ohio legislators have sent a letter to Severstal North America asking it to restart its steel plants in Warren and three other cities or sell them to a company that will. The letter to Gregory Mason, Severstal chief executive, was sent by Sen. Jason Wilson of Columbiana, R-30th; Rep. Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th; and Rep. John Domenick of Smithfield, D-95th.

“Our constituents feel the pain of being laid off from your plants, and all concerned would be best served by having these plants operating again and the workers again gainfully employed,” the letter said.

Severstal Warren’s steelmaking operations have been idle for a year because of slow steel sales. More than 1,000 workers are off the job. Severstal also has plants idled in Mingo Junction, Martins Ferry and Yorkville.

Delphi retirees seek help

HOWLAND — Delphi retirees had a planning meeting Wednesday with area community leaders and elected officials to seek help over their fight to recover lost benefits.

Bruce Gump of the Delphi Salaried Retirees Association said the hourly and salaried retirees wanted input from local officials as they develop a plan of action. They are looking to put pressure on political officials in Washington, D.C., and corporate officials in Detroit, he said.

RTI executive resigns

PITTSBURGH — Michael Wellham has resigned as chief operating officer of RTI International Metals, which operates a titanium plant in Weathersfield Township. He has been named chief executive of another company.

RTI, which is based near Pittsburgh but retains some administrative offices in Weathersfield, has begun a search for a new operations executive. Dawne Hickton remains the company’s chief executive.

In addition, RTI has created a new management structure by appointing three executives to newly created positions. David Hall is now senior vice president — integrated value chain. Richard Dean is vice president — fabrication operations. Lou Bartlo is vice president — titanium production.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Charlie Staples

YOUNGSTOWN — Charlie Staples Bar-B-Que had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for an expansion of the West Rayen Avenue restaurant. The restaurant has added 3,000 square feet because of growing business. It now seats 100.

20/30 club mixer

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley Professional 20/30 Club will have a mixer from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at The Lemon Grove, 122 West Federal St. The cost is $10 for nonmembers and $5 for members. The club is a networking organization for young residents of the Valley.

From Vindicator staff reports