Pittsburgh-based U. S. Steel recently completed a $350 million reline project to return Gary Works’ Blast Furnace #14, the company’s largest blast furnace, to service.
“The return of Blast Furnace #14 is a great example of disciplined execution at U. S. Steel and is a testament to the skill, dedication and unwavering focus on safety demonstrated by our employees, contractors and partners,” U. S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt said. “This investment positions Gary Works to continue serving customers, supporting American manufacturing, and creating value for years to come.”
Blast Furnace #14 is capable of producing more than 2 million tons of hot metal annually. It uses iron ore pellets sourced from U. S. Steel’s Minnesota Ore Operations. The reline helps ensure the facility’s continued production of steel remains reliable long-term.
Work included replacing the furnace’s refractory lining and restoring critical systems designed to support safe, reliable operation and extend the furnace’s productive life. Workers also completed maintenance on the furnace gas, cooling water, hoisting, stove systems and other supporting infrastructure.
The project involved approximately 1,000 contractors on site daily during peak times.
U. S. Steel provides steel to the appliance, automotive, construction, containers, energy, and packaging industries.