U.S. Steel Investing $1 Billion In Mon Valley Works

BRADDOCK (KDKA) -- U.S. Steel says it plans to invest more than $1 billion for state-of-the-art technology at its Mon Valley Works.

According to U.S. Steel, the technology includes a new sustainable endless casting and rolling facility at the Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock and a cogeneration facility at its plant in Clairton.

The corporation held a news conference Thursday to make the announcement.

"Our steelworker jobs have been the pride of Pittsburgh for well over a century, and with these new facilities, they will continue to be for generations to come," said President and CEO of U.S. Steel David Burritt.

The new plant promises much cleaner air and a healthier community. They boast a 60% reduction in particulate matter, 50% less sulfur dioxide and an 80% reduction in nitrogen oxide.

U.S. Steel has come under criticism for the air quality in the Mon Valley, with the county ordering the corporation to reduce air pollution in the area.

"The response to the community is we're going to run this business as effectively as we can in the safest and most environmentally friendly way that we can. We're doing that each and every day, and with this technology, it's going to take us to an even better level," Burritt said.

WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE HERE:

In a press release, Burritt said:

"This is a truly transformational investment for U. S. Steel. We are combining our integrated steelmaking process with industry-leading endless casting and rolling to reinvest in steelmaking and secure the future for a new generation of steelworkers in Western Pennsylvania and the Mon Valley. U. S. Steel's investment in leading technology and advanced manufacturing aligns with our vision to be the industry leader in delivering high-quality, value-added products and innovative solutions that address our customers' most challenging steel needs for the future. We believe that adding sustainable steel technology to our footprint will create long-term value for our employees, our region, our customers and our investors."

U.S. Steel says the technology going in at the Edgar Thomson Works will be the first facility of its types in the United States and one of just a handful in the world.

Duquesne University is partnering with U.S. Steel to train workers for the new technology.

For more information on the investment, visit U.S. Steel's website here.

There's no word yet on what taxpayers may have to contribute to this new plant.

If all goes well, the new plant should be on line sometime in 2022.