ArcelorMittal Weirton hires new workers

WEIRTON, W.Va. --

Officials said nearly three dozen new employees have been hired at ArcelorMittal's Weirton plant and more workers may be hired.


The 34 new workers started at the plant about two weeks ago, United Steelworkers Union Local 2911 President Mark Glyptis said.

Glyptis said officials aren't sure how many more workers might be hired but said he's excited about the prospect for growth.


"Our order book has come in very strong. Most of the tin orders are contract orders for the year," Glyptis said. "We had to add additional crews to our various parts of the operation, which is very good news."


He said ArcelorMittal workers focus on tin, which puts them ahead of other plants that may still be struggling.


"There's only three companies in the country that make tin plate and we're one of them. So, if you're good, you're going to have a good order book," he said.


Glyptis -- a third-generation steelworker who started working in Weirton in 1973 -- said, "In this area everyone kind of counted out the steel industry and we're rebounding."


In addition, he said the steel industry has incrementally improved this past year.

"It's still a difficult industry because it's a global industry. Many of these countries around the world have built steel mills, so it's a highly competitive business. So, it tells me the steel industry is rebounding this country," he said.


Glyptis also said with the workforce averaging an age of 59, employees in every department at ArcelorMittal are retiring, opening the door for new hires.

"There are retirements that are occurring every couple of weeks and there will be some additional hires. The numbers still aren't known at this point," he said.

To meet that demand, there is a Steelworkers Of The Future program that takes a couple years to complete through West Virginia Northern and Eastern Gateway community colleges. Both schools are participating with classes that prepare students for work in the steel industry.