Cleveland-Cliffs pauses Weirton transformer factory plan
$150 M transformer plant in Weirton is indefinitely delayed, halting over 600 jobs as Cleveland-Cliffs cites tariffs and financial concerns
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USA, West Virginia, Weirton: Cleveland-Cliffs has indefinitely postponed the development of its planned transformer manufacturing facility in Weirton, West Virginia, in a decision that union leaders have described as a devastating blow to the region. The facility was expected to bring back over 600 jobs and revitalise the idle steel mill.
Union officials from United Steelworkers (USW) had anticipated a meeting to discuss workforce reinstatement but were instead informed of the project’s suspension. According to USW Staff Representative John Saunders, the delay stems from financial pressures and uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
The announcement coincided with Cleveland-Cliffs’ Q1 2025 results, in which the company declared it would no longer allocate capital to the Weirton transformer factory. A shift in scope from a project partner rendered the plan misaligned with Cliffs’ investment strategy.
The factory, slated for the Half-Moon Industrial Park, involved a $150 M investment, including $50 M in forgivable state loans. Its cancellation is part of a broader restructuring effort, with Cliffs idling six facilities to reduce costs and unlock over $300 M in annual savings.
Despite the setback, USW Local 2911 President Mark Glyptis and Congressman Riley Moore expressed continued optimism for the region’s industrial future, pointing to federal support and efforts to restore American manufacturing leadership.
Source: WTRF.com
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