Latrobe Specialty Steel Continues Production
LATROBE, Pa., May 1 /PRNewswire/ — Latrobe Specialty Steel, the nation’s largest producer of low-alloy, iron-based vacuum melted or remelted specialty alloys for critical military and aerospace applications, today informed customers that its production, finishing and delivery operations would continue unaffected by a strike by 375 hourly workers at its Latrobe, PA facility. The walkout by Steelworkers Local Union 1537 began at midnight, May 1 after the union rejected the company’s final contract offer. The company said that it will continue to operate with supervisors and temporary workers.
“Latrobe Specialty Steel, facing mounting competition from foreign and domestic non-union companies, must be able to win in global markets. We must prudently manage the increasing costs affecting every phase of the business. Latrobe cannot be oblivious to global wage factors and inevitable economic cycles. We need to have a contract with the Steelworkers that will keep the company competitive for the long term,” said Hans Sack, President and CEO.
“Latrobe has a duty to all its customers, especially to our nation’s armed forces, to protect the production and delivery of our critical products to the manufacturers of vital defense equipment. While it is unfortunate that the local union rejected the company’s offer, Latrobe Specialty Steel has made comprehensive contingency plans to maintain normal operations until the represented workers return to their jobs,” said Hans Sack.
“Latrobe Specialty Steel will continue to keep its promises to its customers, suppliers, investors and its devoted employees. That means meeting our promised delivery and quality commitments,” said Sack.
Latrobe Specialty Steel also operates facilities in other locations which are not affected by the Local 1537 strike.
Latrobe Specialty Steel’s capacity expansion project continues on schedule. The company predicts the first hot metal in the third quarter of 2008 and full production in the first quarter of 2009. LSS is investing to cut lead times, assure quality and introduce new product solutions.
Latrobe Specialty Steel Company, headquartered in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, manufactures and distributes precision-engineered specialty alloys for customers globally. Airframe and defense systems manufacturers specify Latrobe’s high-performance, vacuum melted and vacuum remelted alloys for many critical components. In business continuously since 1913, the company employs approximately 900 people in ten locations throughout North America and Europe. Find additional information about Latrobe Specialty Steel at http://www.latrobesteel.com/ or contact Lisa Pierce at 724-532-6324 (lisa.pierce@latrobesteel.com).
Latrobe Specialty Steel
CONTACT: Lisa Pierce of Latrobe Specialty Steel, +1-724-532-6324,lisa.pierce@latrobesteel.com
Web site: http://www.latrobesteel.com/