Republic Steel announced Thursday that the company is temporarily idling its rolling mill operations in Lorain and plans to lay off about 200 people.
LORAIN, Ohio -- Republic Steel announced Thursday that the company is temporarily idling its rolling mill operations in Lorain and plans to lay off about 200 people.
The layoffs will be staggered over the next few months. The United Steel Workers Local 1104, which represents the hourly employees, was notified of plans to idle the plant, according to the company.
Republic Steel reports the company had no other option with a decline in the energy market and customer demand. With a negative 2016 economic forecast and the continued dumping of steel imports, the Lorain plant has continued to struggle in the past year.
"We hope that we can resume the Lorain operations in the near future," president and CEO Jaime Vigil, said in a written statement. "We are positioned for growth and will be ready to provide capacity once the market turns around."
About 900 employees will continue employment at Republic's other locations in Canton; Massillon; Solon; Lackawanna, N.Y. and Hamilton, Ontario.