BRADDOCK, Pa. — The U.S. Steel board of directors approved nearly $3 billion in full funding for a new hot strip mill at the company’s Mon Valley Works – Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, the company announced Thursday.
The investment will replace aging equipment with modern steelmaking technology at the facility. The project is designed to increase annual production capacity from approximately 2.2 million tons to approximately 3.5 million tons while expanding the range of steel products manufactured for customers.
Construction on the mill will begin after necessary environmental and administrative permits are received. Initial production at the modernized facility is targeted for late 2029. Company officials stated they are actively engaging with regulatory agencies throughout the permitting process.
“For generations, the Mon Valley has built America and steel has built lives here,” U.S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt said. “This nearly $3 billion investment is about making sure that story doesn’t just continue but gets even stronger. We are bringing world-class technology to the Mon Valley, creating new capabilities for our customers and strengthening American steelmaking for the next generation.”
According to an economic impact study conducted by Parker Strategy Group, the construction and operation of the project are projected to support between 5,100 and 6,300 jobs across Pennsylvania. The study also estimates the project will generate between $46 million and $58 million in state and local tax revenue over three years, alongside up to $1.7 billion in total economic impact.
U.S. Steel says it currently supports 13,687 jobs in the state.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said, “My administration has been working hard to ensure the future of American steelmaking runs through Western Pennsylvania — and this nearly $3 billion investment in the Mon Valley will keep thousands of jobs here in our Commonwealth and create real opportunity for future generations of Pennsylvania steelworkers.”
The technological upgrades focus on converting steel slabs into thin coils used in vehicles, appliances and construction materials. The facility will incorporate walking beam furnaces and an in-line slab sizing press to streamline production from reheating onward. Company engineers expect these systems to reduce energy consumption, lower fuel usage, eliminate a cutting step and decrease overall scrap metal.
Alongside the primary hot strip mill investment, U. S. Steel is currently building an approximately $100 million slag granulator at the Edgar Thomson Plant. The granulator uses a closed cooling system to process blast furnace slag into usable material for cement and construction, reducing open-pit processing, landfill reliance and related emissions.
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick said, “This is exactly what we fought for: real investment, good-paying jobs and a strong future for American steelmaking in the Mon Valley. This is a major step toward delivering on the promises of the U. S. Steel–Nippon Steel partnership.”
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