AP reported that a Chicago based rail machinery maker has rehired about 700 workers who had been laid off from a southwestern Illinois foundry.

Mr Robert Lott is president of United Steelworkers of America Local 1063. He tells the St Louis Post Dispatch that Amsted Rail Co has brought staffing back to previous levels, and more jobs are planned. Amsted laid off the workers at the Granite City plant in 2008 and 2009. The workers were about 70% of the workforce.

Mr Lott said that the union has seen all of its members return to work.

The company is advertising openings for machinists, pipe fitters, supervisors and welders US Steel Granite City Works also rehired its laid off workers last year.

(Sourced from Associated Press)