Hurricane Ivan passed through Mobile, Ala., early this morning without significantly affecting Ipsco's Alabama steel mill.

The Mobile Steelworks did not experience flooding or damage and is physically ready to resume production. After an initial assessment by the company’s safety and engineering crew, Ipsco is reporting that the plant's structural integrity remains intact. Any damage caused by the high winds has been external and limited to fallen trees and other landscape and aesthetic concerns.

The Mobile Steelworks had uninterrupted electrical power throughout the storm, and is working with its natural gas supplier and with the railroads to resume normal operations. The facility also awaits the safe return of its employees, most of whom had evacuated the area, and plans to have a clearer timeline for full-scale resumption of operations in the coming hours.

In its release, Ipsco states: “While we are relieved that we were not seriously affected by Ivan, we are sorry for all of those that were and will work with the authorities to offer whatever help we can.”