The United Steelworkers union rejected a labor agreement that would have secured a plant expansion in Ohio.

Mr Salvatore Miraglia president of Timken Steel Business said that that Timken will explore other investment opportunities around the world.

He added that "Many parts of this company are growing and expanding around the world. We are disappointed in this outcome because the contract was a necessary step before our commitment to invest USD 225 million in steel operations in Canton."

Steelworkers Local 1123 based in Canton voted 917-608 to reject the agreement. The existing contract remains in effect until September 2013.

Timken offered workers a contract that included wage and benefit increases, a signing bonus for ratification and additional job security measures.

(Sourced from www.industryweek.com)