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One hundred and fifteen years ago, E.T. Weir and J.C. Williams brought what then was known as the Phillips Sheet and Tin Plate Company to an area just north of the quiet community of Holliday's Cove. Setting up additional operations, building a company town and attracting new people to the area, the company would later be renamed as Weirton Steel.
Through its long and storied history, whether it be as Weirton Steel, part of National Steel, or components of ISG, ArcelorMittal or Cleveland-Cliffs, the mill and its operations have been a centerpiece of the Weirton community.
It has provided a livelihood for generations of area residents who were able to raise their families here. The mill showed support for the community in uncountable ways, with contributions to local nonprofits and civic groups, assisting municipal services, sponsoring community celebrations and much more.
Unfortunately, that soon will be coming to an end as Cleveland-Cliffs officials announced one week ago they would be shutting down tinplate operations in April following a recent decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission concerning tariffs on imported tin products.
The company will go on, but it leaves the more than 900 employees, their families, and, quite frankly the entire Weirton area, facing a great deal of uncertainty for the future.
Will those soon to be out of work be able to stay here, or will they go elsewhere to find a job? Will our local stores and restaurants see a reduction in business? What about other industries in the area who relied on product from the local tin operation?
We still have opportunities on the horizon, with new industries coming into the area, but we must make no mistake, the idling of the tin mill - the final component left from Weirton Steel - will affect our people and businesses for years to come.