International Steel Group Inc. has successfully restarted the 110-inch plate mill at its Burns Harbor, Ind., facility.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the successful restart of this facility," said Thomas J. Cera, Vice President of ISG Plate Operations. "Our decision to return this mill to operation was driven by increasing demand from our existing customers and our desire to quickly respond to their needs."

ISG announced plans to restart the operation in December 2004 and has since hired and trained 65 new employees to operate the facility.

"Today marks a great day in the history of Burns Harbor Plate," added Lawrence Fabina, General Manager—ISG Burns Harbor Plate. "With much anticipation, the restart of this operation has meant a great deal to both our new and experienced employees who are happy to service the growing needs of our valued customers."

Burns Harbor’s 110-inch plate mill is capable of producing carbon, high-strength low-alloy and alloy plate for a wide range of industries, including rail, construction, shipbuilding, oil and gas exploration and production, and machinery, all of which are currently served by ISG. The ISG Plate Division also is a major supplier of armored plate products that are used to protect the U.S. Armed Forces serving in Iraq and elsewhere.

International Steel Group Inc. is one of the largest steel producers in North America. It produces a variety of steel products including hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated sheets, tin mill products, carbon and alloy plates, rail products and semi-finished shapes to serve the automotive, construction, pipe and tube, appliance, container and machinery markets.