The Associated Press reported that US Steel is temporarily shutting down its steelmaking operations at its Fairfield plant.

Ms Courtney Boone spokeswoman of US Steel in Pittsburgh said that the Fairfield Works is among plants that US Steel is idling due to market conditions in the recession.

She said the number of workers affected was not immediately available, but that some operations at the plant, such as finishing, will continue at reduced levels.

Ms Boone said the employees have been notified.

The Fairfield plant near Birmingham employed around 1,600 workers in March.

(Sourced from AP)