It is reported that an 8 month extended layoff for workers at US Steel Corporation's Great Lakes Works plant might end soon. It was temporarily shut in January 2009 because of declining demand. Under normal market conditions, the plant employs about 2,400 workers.

Now, the company is conducting physicals of workers to prepare for restarting plant operations. US Steel notified the union of plans to begin recalling some workers in July.

However, trade publication American Metal Market reported last week that plans to restart a blast furnace at the plant have been delayed due to the development of a hot spot discovered as the furnace was being prepared for re ignition.

Ms Erin DiPietro spokeswoman of US Steel declined to comment specifically on Great Lakes Works. She said that "We are continuing to adjust production across our operations to stay in line with customer demand."

Great Lakes Works is one of eight plants that US Steel partially or completely idled across North America since the recession began.

(Sourced from www.freepress.com)