Slater Steel Inc. (SSI) has announced its intention to close down its Atlas Specialty Steels operation permanently in the first half of 2003. Rolling will be transferred from the Atlas Specialty Steels’ bar mill to Slater Steel’s other rolling mills. The closure is expected to result in the elimination of 150– 200 jobs in the bar mill and auxiliary departments. The shutdown of one of the two rolling mills at Atlas Specialty Steels is part of Slater’s programme to improve operational efficiencies, optimise assets and reduce costs at its stainless bar facilities. Slater confirmed that the modern, state-of-the-art melt shop at Atlas Specialty Steels would continue to supply primary melt products to Fort Wayne Specialty Alloys. It will also supply Slater Lemont with billets. In addition to the melt shop, Atlas Specialty Steels operates a blooming/large diameter mill, and forge, remelt and finishing facilities.
