Oct. 6, 2006 — Mittal Steel USA announced that it will idle two of its blast furnaces indefinitely to bring production capabilities in line with reduced levels of demand for light flat-rolled products.

Blast furnaces will be idled at Mittal Steel USA–Cleveland, and at Mittal Steel USA–Indiana Harbor in East Chicago, Ind. The company says it will perform required maintenance while the furnaces are off-line.

"We are confident that we can maintain and service our customers' requirements working under this production configuration and are committed to maintaining our customers' business," said Michael G. Rippey, President and CEO.

The company says that the blast furnaces will be reactivated when market conditions warrant increased production levels, and that “no employees will be laid off.”

Mittal Steel USA, with its affiliates, is the largest steel producer in North America and the largest integrated steel producer in the United States. The company was formed in April 2005 and consists of the former Ispat Inland Inc. and the former International Steel Group. It serves a broad U.S. manufacturing base from its operations in 12 states.

Mittal Steel USA is a subsidiary of Arcelor Mittal, the world's leading steel company by both revenue and production. The company operates 61 plants across 27 countries, employing some 320,000 employees.