Idled steel plant needs reduced utility costs

Staff report

WARREN

A steel plant idled March 25 is counting on reduced utility costs to restart operations.

According to The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, 21 WFMJ-TV, Warren Steel Holdings lawyers asked the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for a lower price Thursday. The company pointed to utility costs as a primary reason for its shutdown. It hopes to cut costs by one-third to make the business profitable.

The lawyers told the commission during a hearing Thursday they have three customers with orders awaiting the plant’s reopening.

According to a hearing transcript, the company believes restarting the plant would bring in the equivalent of 309 full-time jobs.

The company has asked the PUCO to make a quick decision on the matter. No date was set, however.