ArcelorMittal announced a US$50 million capital investment for improvements to modernize and upgrade the company’s coke operations in Monessen, Pa. The investment will allow ArcelorMittal to restart coke production at the Monessen facility, which has been idled since May 2009, and create 113 new jobs at the site.

"The decision to move forward with this restart represents a significant investment in the long-term viability of ArcelorMittal Monessen’s coke operations," said Paul Champagne, Plant Manager, ArcelorMittal Monessen. "There is no doubt that the leadership and dedication of the Monessen workforce contributed to our plant receiving the investment allocation. We look forward to working with our employees, the United Steelworkers and our contractors on a safe and successful upgrade and restart."

The US$50 million investment includes significant upgrades that will improve employee safety, enhance environmental performance and ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility.

"This investment will create jobs and grow the economy in Southwestern Pennsylvania," said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.). "Good-paying, middle class jobs are critical to getting the economy on the right track, and I’m confident that the region’s stellar workforce will make a major difference for ArcelorMittal."

Upon completion of the improvements and restart, the company anticipates that the Monessen facility will employ a total workforce of approximately 180 permanent positions.

"This is great news for the region," said U.S. Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Pa., 9th District). "ArcelorMittal is tripling its workforce and bringing over 100, good-paying jobs to Monessen, putting hardworking people back to work. Their $50 million investment in this plant will bring much needed growth and stability."

ArcelorMittal acquired the Monessen coke plant, located on 45 acres along the Monongahela River in Westmoreland County, Pa., in October 2008. The facility is capable of producing approximately 370,000 tons of metallurgical coke per year and is one of three coke production facilities that ArcelorMittal operates in the United States. The additional coke capacity will be used in the company’s North American operations to partially offset potential spot coke purchases.

"ArcelorMittal’s decision to invest $50 million to restart the Monessen coke facility is good for the Mon Valley and good for local jobs," said U.S. Congressman Mark S. Critz (D-Pa., 12th District). "This substantial capital investment is a true testament to the region’s skilled and dedicated workforce, and I’d like to thank ArcelorMittal for choosing Monessen to grow production and jobs."

State Representative Ted Harhai (D-Pa., 58th District) added: "Based on information shared by ArcelorMittal, the company’s decision to not only restart – but invest in – its Monessen coke operation is exciting news for the city of Monessen and the region as a whole. This region depends upon substantial investments made by companies such as ArcelorMittal, which provide for good-paying jobs and help position us for continued growth and future opportunities."

ArcelorMittal Monessen intends to restart coke operations by May 2014. ArcelorMittal is working cooperatively with regulatory agencies to attain necessary approvals needed to break ground.