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Steel is a hot topic these days with all the discussion about tariffs. In the middle of this, there is some good local news - steel production in Lackawanna is making a comeback.
Republic Steel is ramping up its production of hot rolled bars and coils. The specialty steel products are used in high-heat applications like construction equipment and automobile engines / transmissions.
The scale-up of operations has been in process over the past twelve months as customer orders for the Lackawanna products have been increasing.
With new tariffs imposed on the import of steel from the European Union, Mexico and Canada, Republic Steel is expecting even more demand and is taking steps to be able to meet it, explained Margo Byrnes, Human Resources Manager for Republic Steel in Canton, Ohio.
The company is now looking to hire an additional 30 people to bring employment levels at the Lackawanna plant up to 270 by August. One year ago, 160 people were employed at the Lackawanna site, which is just a short ride south of Buffalo.
Hundreds of people have been applying for the jobs that will pay $19 to $22 per hour. New employees will be required to join the United Steel Workers Union and can expect to work hard in an heavy manufacturing environment.
Republic Steel plans to have the new hires on-the-job within the next few weeks.
If you were unable to submit an application in person at the Airport Holiday Inn today, Margo Byrnes said it can still be submitted through the Republic Steel website:
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.
You can contact Ed Reilly at ed.reilly@wkbw.com
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