Bethlehem Closing Facility

Steel company permanently closing its pipe mill facility in Steelton, Pa.

Bethlehem Steel announced that it will permanently close its facilities for producing large-diameter pipe in Steelton, Pa. The company cited lack of orders as the reason for the closure.

"Doing all we can to become competitive will drive our efforts as we retool Bethlehem Steel for the 21st century," said Robert Miller, chairman and CEO of Bethlehem Steel. "Closing or selling underperforming facilities will help Bethlehem Steel restructure to become a viable, stand-alone company. In addition, tariff exclusions granted on August 22 by the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce will allow 100,000 tons of X70 grade line pipe into this market, further affecting the integrity of the Section 201 relief."

The pipe mill had been in operation in its current configuration since the early 1960s. Due to a lack of orders, the mill has been idle since June 1999.