Gerdau Special Steel North America officials said that they are using an Alabama firm on part of its Monroe mill expansion project because of its experience in steel mill work.

Area unions posted informational pickets at the mill on December 12th 2011 objecting to the use of Irondale Industrial Contractors of Birmingham. They say the company does not pay prevailing wages and has a spotty safety record.

Mr Jack Finlayson president of Gerdau Special Steel said that "Irondale Industrial Contractors was selected as an American company with specific expertise in erecting casters, a key component of our mill expansion plans. Irondale has a long record of working with facilities similar to ours around the nation. For the overall construction project, we continue to look for opportunities to work with Michigan based firms, both small and large, in each aspect of our growth."

He added that "We have enjoyed a strong relationship with industry unions and remain dedicated to business arrangements that benefit everybody involved, both here in Monroe and at all our Gerdau locations. Likewise, our investment to expand the Monroe mill shows Gerdau's long term commitment to this area, as well as bringing jobs and capital into our community."

He said the informational pickets set up by members of the local millwrights and machinery erector is not affecting mill production. He added that "As always, we will continue to examine the issue and take any industry concerns seriously."

(Sourced from www.monroenews.com)