Closure of BHP's Newcastle steelworks will mark its 10th anniversary on September 30th 2009. The BHP steelworks had been established in 1915, and employed four generations of steel workers in Newcastle, becoming a vital part of the city.

The Newcastle steelworks officially closed on September 30th 1999, eliminating 2500 jobs, and an estimated 2000 more who were employed in support industries.

In 1997, BHP announced it was closing the Newcastle Steel River industrial park and steelworks site shipping terminal. Lance Hockridge was sent to implement the closure. The move was a result of BHP’s determination to be a minerals and natural resources company only, and to divest its manufacturing operations. This would eventually lead to the spin off of two companies, BlueScope and OneSteel.

The closure decision was criticized by the unions and both sides of politics, but BHP could not be dissuaded, citing the conditions of the world market for steel.

(Sourced from www.metalworker.com.au)