Pittsburgh-Area Coke Plant Stops Production Amid Shutdown

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Pittsburgh-area coke plant that's in the process of shutting down has stopped production.

Detroit-based DTE Energy said last month that it's closing the Shenango Inc. plant due to declining demand in the North American steel industry.

A United Steelworkers staff representative tells The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review the Neville Island plant, which stopped production on Wednesday, has started losing employees. The plant is expected to shut down completely in April.

The plant produced blast furnace coke and related products for steelmaking. It employed 173 workers.

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DTE officials have said affected employees will remain on payroll for 60 days after the plant closes. The company will then offer severance packages.

DTE will consolidate its coking operations at a facility in Michigan.

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