WEIRTON, W.Va. — Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America, has officially canceled its plan to develop an electrical distribution transformer production plant at its idled Weirton site.

The announcement follows the company’s $483 million loss in Q1 2025, and is part of a broader move to idle or partially idle five other facilities across the U.S. The Weirton facility, which had transitioned from steelmaking to tinplate production, was idled last year, affecting nearly 900 workers. Hopes had been high after Cleveland-Cliffs floated the idea of a transformer plant at the location five months later.

Congressman Riley Moore expressed disappointment in a public statement, emphasizing the region’s long-standing contributions to the U.S. steel industry and reaffirming efforts to bring jobs back to the Northern Panhandle.

Mark Glyptis, president of United Steelworkers Local 2911, acknowledged the difficulties faced by workers and their families, but remains optimistic about the future. “We still have a great deal of faith that we’re going to be able to put together a transformer plant,” Glyptis stated, citing national demand and ongoing conversations with lawmakers and Cleveland-Cliffs leadership.

While the current project has been shelved, regional advocates continue to seek new paths forward for the Weirton facility and its workforce.

Source: wvmetronews.com