International Steel Group Inc. announced plans to restart its idled 110-inch plate mill located at the company's Burns Harbor facility. Prompted by increasing customer needs, the mill is expected to resume production early in the second quarter of 2005 and to employ an additional 80 employees at the Burns Harbor facility, ISG's largest plant.

"Restarting our 110-inch plate mill is another exciting advancement in the growth of our business," said Rodney B. Mott, President and CEO. "Our decision to return this mill to operation is driven by increasing customer demand and our desire to quickly respond to the needs of our valued customers. This restart will provide ISG additional flexibility to better meet our customers' growth and project opportunities."

"The restart of the 110-inch plate mill, while offering long-term suitable employment to our members, is very positive news for our employees and our customers, as well," said Paul Gipson, President, USWA Local Union 6787. "For more than a decade, the domestic plate industry has been fragmented in a weak market. The continuing consolidation of the steel industry has led to a more stable environment for the operation of this mill. The start-up of this modern facility further validates the successful partnership forged between the USWA and ISG. Our combined efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the tremendous success of this facility."

ISG’s Burns Harbor plant employs approximately 3700 persons. It is one of five fully integrated raw steelmaking facilities owned and operated by ISG. The plant is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, approximately 45 miles east of Chicago, Ill.

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.