OHIO STEEL SHIPPING AND PRODUCTION REACH FOUR-YEAR HIGH IN 2004; CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS UP 143 PERCENT


COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 2 , 2005) –  Year-end data for 2004 show shipping, production and capital spending for Ohio's steel industry at four- to five-year highs, reflecting a resurgence in worldwide steel markets, consolidation in the steel industry, and efficiencies achieved through technology and workforce training and reorganization.

Steel production in 2004 was 14.9 million tons, the highest figure since 2000, when production was 17.3 million tons. Production for 2004 was up 13.6 percent from 2003.

Shipments were 15.3 million tons for 2004, up 8.8 percent over 2003. Shipments are the highest since 2000, when they were 15.9 million tons.

With the exception of 2000, 2004 shaped up as one of the strongest years since 1998, when unfairly traded steel imports undermined the Ohio steel industry.

Capital investment spending in 2004 was at a five-year high at $351.5 million, a 143 percent increase over 2003.

"Ohio steel made a vibrant recovery in 2004, brought about not only by market improvements but also by deliberate initiatives undertaken by the industry itself, " said Tim Roberts, manager of corporate affairs for WCI Steel, Inc., and a member of the Ohio Steel Council's communications committee. "Ohio steel companies have invested heavily in new technology and efficiencies, and have worked closely with labor to streamline production."

Ohio Steel employment fell 4.3 percent to 15,324 in 2004, compared to 16,021 in 2003. Meanwhile, payroll was $904 million, up 1.4 percent compared to last year.

The Ohio Steel Data Report, compiled by Youngstown State University's Center for Urban Studies, covers statistics from Ohio facilities of the Council's steel-producing members. The data is forwarded to the Ohio Steel Council in aggregate, so the contribution of any single company cannot be determined.

The Ohio Steel Council is a public private partnership designed to strengthen ties among the steel industry, the state of Ohio and its citizens. The Council's member organizations are AK Steel Corp., Mittal Steel USA, Ohio Department of Development, Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, PRO-TEC Coating Company, Republic Engineered Products Inc., The Timken Company, United Steelworkers of America, Lorain Tubular Operations, V&M STAR, WCI Steel, Inc., and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp.