AK Steel Business News

October 23, 200618 yr

From the 10/19/06 Middletown Journal:

City, area leaders disappointed by union vote

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Thursday, October 19, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Surprise and disappointment again were the reactions of many area public officials when news of AK Steel Corp.'s latest final offer was soundly rejected by its locked-out union.

From the 10/14/06 Middletown Journal:

Lockout's ill effects will last

By Rick McCrabb

Columnist

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Even if AK Steel's locked-out employees approve the company's latest contract proposal Wednesday, it will take several months for the city's financial wounds to heal.

The workers have been locked out since March 1 — seven months, 16 days ago, and counting — and once they cash their first checks, Middletown businesses won't see an immediate windfall.

Look for local business to return to normal — "normal is a tough word around here," grocer Steve Dillman said — by the holidays.

From the 10/19/06 Middletown Journal:

Timeline of the AK Steel lockout

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Nov. 30, 2005: Negotiations begin between AK Steel Corp. and representatives of its largest union, Armco Employees Independent Federation.

January 2006: The company begins training salaried and temporary replacement workers for hourly jobs while bargaining sessions continue.

Feb. 19: AEIF authorizes union leaders to strike if necessary. In voting Friday and Saturday, AEIF members voted 2,368 for strike authorization against 56 opposed to authorization.

Feb. 21: Some 3,500 videotapes are distributed to the homes of hourly and salaried employees — all showcasing a somber James Wainscott, AK's chairman, chief executive and president.

Feb. 24: Middletown Police Chief Mike Bruck invites law enforcement officials from agencies surrounding Middletown to a meeting for an "information update" on what could happen if officials from the AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation don't reach an agreement.

Feb. 28: Dozens of employees are seen filing out of AK Steel ahead of the 3 p.m. shift change. Many are angry and curious as to why they have been asked to leave before the end of their shift. Third shifters are asked to hold off on coming to work.

March 1, 12:01 a.m.: More than 2,500 AEIF members are locked out of Middletown Works. Dozens are stationed to begin picketing. The first of almost eight months of barrel fires are lit.

March 1: Butler County Job and Family Services is inundated with calls from locked-out AEIF members regarding unemployment. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services begins the process of determining whether the dispute is a lockout.

March 3: The list of people lending a hand to AEIF members grows. Nearly 60 local residents, companies and others help provide AEIF members with services, free or discounted goods and other assistance.

October 24, 200618 yr

All three from the 10/20/06 Middletown Journal:

AK: Contract reflects industry conditions

Waning domestic auto production, competition and steel reserves slow U.S. steel industry.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, October 20, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The differences between two contracts offered by AK Steel Corp. in nine days were a result of industry conditions, the company said Thursday.

Waning production in the automotive industry — a large portion of AK Steel business — and competitors of the company scheduling idle time because of steel reserves are creating a sluggish U.S. steel industry.

Meanwhile, efficiency and production are improving at Middletown Works under the toil of about 1,800 temporary replacement workers and salaried personnel.

The contract that was offered Oct. 10 — and subsequently rejected Wednesday by a 1,050 to 489 vote — didn't reflect industry standards because it was a last-ditch effort to end the lockout, said Alan McCoy, AK's vice president, government and public relations.

The contract offered Thursday morning, however, takes those industry factors into consideration.

"It was a proposal that we knew didn't reflect economic conditions and changing conditions in our plant," McCoy said. "Despite that, we said we wanted to give (the union) one more chance."

Union: AK's latest proposal 'regressive'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, October 20, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — After months of what was widely characterized as progress in bargaining sessions between AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force, contract negotiations took a major step back Thursday when the company presented its latest offer, the union said.

Compared to the proposal that members rejected 1,050 to 489 Wednesday, AK Steel's latest contract features lower wages, higher health care costs sharing, a different pension plan, new alcohol and drug screening policies and a withdrawal of settlement provisions.

Analyst claims AK wants to make replacements permanent

By Thomas Gnau

Columnist

Friday, October 20, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — It took more than six years for members of two United Steelworkers of America local units to return to their jobs at a Colorado steel mill.

The dean of steel industry analysts threw that fact out when discussing the AK Steel Corp. lockout in Middletown Thursday.

Charles Bradford wasn't making a prediction. Just an observation.

But when Bradford observes, people listen.

Bradford — a Soleil Securities analyst based in New York City — sees Wednesday's rejection of AK Steel's "final" clarified offer as bad news indeed.

November 7, 200618 yr

From the 10/24/06 Middletown Journal:

AK makes contribution to pension fund

By Ed Richter

Staff Report

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

AK Steel Corp. announced Monday it will make an early $75 million contribution to its pension trust fund.

The company's board of directors authorized the contribution for its 32,000 retirees and beneficiaries.

November 7, 200618 yr

From the 10/25/06 Hamilton JournalNews:

AK, union agree on picket restrictions

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly workforce came to an agreement Tuesday that limited picketing activities for the remainder of the nearly nine-month labor dispute.

Restrictions issued by Butler County Common Pleas Court — similar to those issued Sept. 21 on a temporary basis — included "mass picketing" that results in threats, insults, obscene language or the obstruction of traffic in and out of Middletown Works; picketing of groups of more than eight people within 150 feet of the nine gates around the plant; engaging in violence with AK Steel employees or damaging company property; and throwing debris near AK Steel gates.

The agreement, which was assisted by Judge Andrew Nastoff, also includes anyone "acting in concert with" members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943.

November 7, 200618 yr

From the 10/27/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union at odds politically

Company's PAC gave $130K, mostly to GOP, while Machinists' PAC money went exclusively to Democrats.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, October 27, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The Political Action Committee of Middletown-based AK Steel Corp. spent more than $103,000 on political campaigns and lobby groups in 2005 and 2006, a vast majority of which was awarded to federal Republican candidates.

Meanwhile, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers' PAC — the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League — spent more than $3.5 million, all of which was awarded to federal Democrat candidates.

Records obtained by the Federal Election Commission's Center for Responsive Politics show that AK Steel provided 79 percent of its money raised in this election cycle on federal Republican candidates. In comparison, the Machinists did not spend a penny on any candidate, according to records dated Wednesday.

November 7, 200618 yr

From the 10/29/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel: Back from the brink

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Last week, when AK Steel Corp.'s chief executive told investors the Middletown-based business was "back in the game," he was signalling the end of the company's period of recovery from a near-death experience.

In 2003, AK Steel faced hard choices. Fresh off net losses in seven of the eight previous quarters and stock prices that had declined some 90 percent, it was losing the battle against global steel leviathans — badly.

November 7, 200618 yr

From the AP, 10/30/06:

CEO says AK not for sale

Some analysts claim potential suitors waiting for end to labor dispute.

By Terry Kinney

Associated Press

Monday, October 30, 2006

CINCINNATI — As a lockout of union employees nears its ninth month, AK Steel executives insist that they are not shopping the company even though some analysts think it is being eyed for a possible takeover.

"We are all about improving our competitiveness," Chief Executive James Wainscott told investors last week. "If in the process of doing that it makes us more attractive, so be it; but we are not actively marketing AK Steel."

Some analysts believe that potential suitors are just waiting for AK to resolve its labor problems. The company has been operating its largest mill, the Middletown Works, with replacement workers since a lockout began March 1.

"There have been lots of takeover rumors," said analyst Charles Bradford, of Bradford Research/Soleil Securities in New York. "The industry is consolidating, and they (AK Steel) are subject to takeover because they are relatively small and flexible. If they solve their (labor) problems, they become more attractive."

November 7, 200618 yr

From the 10/31/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union talks on hold

Union says it's ready to meet but company says schedule is 'booked solid.'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Negotiations for AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly work force are expected to stall for another week and may not resume until next week, officials from both parties said Monday.

Officials from AK Steel and the International Association of Machinists Local Lodge 1943 are expected to talk next week to set a date "at the earliest time possible," a union spokesman said.

November 7, 200618 yr

Will this ever end?

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/6/06 Middletown Journal:

AK and union return to bargaining table

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Monday, November 06, 2006

AK Steel and the union representing its locked-out workforce will return to the bargaining table for the first time since members of the International Association of Machinists Local 1943 rejected the company's final contract proposal on Oct. 18.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/7/06 Middletown Journal:

Lockout hurting, AK Steel filing reveals

Steelmaker acknowledges lockout negatively affecting company's coffers; Machinists, AK negotiators agree to return to bargaining table.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The nearly nine-month labor dispute between AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union — among other factors — is having a negative impact on the company's bottom line, according to its latest financial statement.

AK Steel's 10-Q, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a week ago, is a document designed to disclose the company's strengths and weaknesses to potential investors. But it's not likely to have an impact on the continuing lockout of 1,857 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 from Middletown Works.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/13/06 Middletown Journal:

Unions giddy after elections

AFL-CIO says election of U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown is sign that his populist message is resonating among Ohio's voters.

By Jessica Wehrman

Staff Writer

Monday, November 13, 2006

WASHINGTON — Organized labor is positively giddy about the results of Tuesday's elections, and points to efforts in Ohio as a prime example of how its get-out-the-vote effort and financial contributions helped elect Democratic U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown as the state's next U.S. senator.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/16/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union meeting for first time since October

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, November 16, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — For the first time in nearly a month, negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union will meet again today.

What's new?

Today's meeting is set for 2:30 p.m.

Representatives of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 have had weeks to finalize a counterproposal to AK Steel's Oct. 19 offer, which was resoundingly defeated by a nearly two-to-one margin the day before.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/17/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union far apart on 'several key issues'

Union brings only two people to the negotiating table in an effort it hopes will quickly bring lockout to a resolution.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, November 17, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Breaking a four-week bargaining hiatus between AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force, a smaller union negotiating team Thursday presented its counterproposal.

AK Steel negotiators were met at the table during the hourlong session by two Machinists representatives instead of nearly a dozen.

"It was unusual and a surprise," Alan McCoy, AK Steel's vice president of government and public relations, said of the smaller bargaining team.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/18/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union dispute contract offers

Union president says Ashland deal never was offered at any time during lockout; AK says Daley twice rejected offer.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, November 18, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — For months, members of AK Steel Corp.'s largest union have been clamoring for a labor contract that mirrors the "industry standard" deal that the Middletown-based steelmaker reached with its Ashland, Ky., plant.

But according to AK Steel officials, that contract has been offered twice since the now nine-month-old lockout of more than 1,800 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 began March 1. Both times — including one offer that came directly from AK Steel President and CEO James Wainscott — the union's president, Brian Daley, rejected the overture.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/20/06 Middletown Journal:

AK union voting on new contract

'New era labor contract' to be decided today at steel company's Mansfield Works plant.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Monday, November 20, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Today, AK Steel Corp.'s most embattled union — United Steelworkers of American Local 169, representing about 300 hourly workers at the company's Mansfield Works plant — will vote on a new four-year deal almost three months before the current contract is set to expire.

It's a historic vote, considering the last contract in Mansfield came following a 39-month lockout. To be decided during balloting today in north central Ohio is what the company refers to as a "new era labor contract" — reflecting steel industry pressures to create smaller, more flexible work forces — which took less than a month to negotiate.

And Local 169 leaders are calling the tentative agreement "a blessing."

"I think the mentality has changed," said Local 169 President Ron Davis. "I think our members are aware of what's going on globally instead of what's just happening here."

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/23/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union agree to arrange talks

Company claims union wasn't prepared for bargaining this week while union spokesman says holiday and time conflicts caused delay.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, November 23, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly work force have agreed to return to the bargaining table next week after the union allegedly wasn't prepared for negotiations this week, a company official said Wednesday.

However, a spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 said delaying negotiations until next week was not a matter of preparedness, but the approaching holiday and time conflicts with negotiators.

"It wasn't a matter of not being prepared," said Machinists spokesman Jim Tyler, adding that the negotiating team was dealing with illness and the death of a relative.

November 27, 200618 yr

From the 11/24/06 Middletown Journal:

AK: Union keeps moving target

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, November 24, 2006

There are two issues remaining on the bargaining table that are perpetuating the nine-month lockout between AK Steel and its hourly work force, a union official said Wednesday.

Since the first "final" company proposal was rejected by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 on Sept. 25, local and international union officials have said AK Steel's offers regarding contracting-out work and the plan to return employees to the Middletown mill are unfair.

However, company officials have said the issues keeping the lockout going between the two sides are a moving target because the union's demands continue to change.

"Their one issue has been 12 issues," said AK spokesman Alan McCoy. "It just depends on what day it is."

Machinists Local 1943 President Brian Daley disagrees. "If we got these issues resolved, this thing would be over," he said.

December 4, 200618 yr

Both from the 11/28/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, locked-out union head back to negotiations Friday

Temporary, salaried work force set production records.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. and it's locked-out hourly work force on Monday agreed to come together again for a bargaining session at 9 a.m. Friday.

AK asks judge to amend picketing injunction amid alleged vandalism, alcohol consumption

Machinists agree to include damage amendment, but not one on beverages

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. requested amendments to a court order that curtails picketing activities of locked-out workers Monday after alleged incidents of drinking and vandalism.

The preliminary injunction, which was initially filed in September in Butler County Common Pleas Court, limits picketing activities and the number of people at any of the union's eight picket lines outside the company.

December 5, 200618 yr

From the 11/29/06 Middletown Journal:

AK's request for no-drinking clause on hold

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — It could be next year before a Butler County judge adds a no-drinking clause to an injunction that limits picketing activities outside AK Steel Corp.

What happened?

Although a status conference between attorneys for the company and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 was held Tuesday as planned, Butler County Judge Andrew Nastoff was absent.

December 5, 200618 yr

From the 11/30/06 Middletown Journal:

Negotiations one year later: Little progress

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, November 30, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — So much has occurred since negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force gathered at the bargaining table on Nov. 30, 2005.

Yet despite all the happenings — a nine-month lockout, the fall of a 63-year-old independent union, a wave of retirements and continued progress at Middletown Works — the company's proposal before the union is the same or worse than what was offered one year ago today.

December 5, 200618 yr

From the 12/2/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union negotiators met in three-hour session

AK, union to continue discussions next week

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, December 02, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly work force came together Friday morning for a nearly three-hour meeting.

What's next?

The two sides are expected to make contact next week to set up an additional meeting. Negotiators last met Nov. 16.

What else?

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/6/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union to meet Thursday

Union says two issues are focus of negotiations, but AK says sides 'remain far apart on several issues.'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Representatives of Middletown's locked-out steelworkers union and the city's largest employer plan to come together this week.

What's next?

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 have scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Thursday.

It's the first time the two sides will have met since Friday's nearly three-hour bargaining session.

What's left to negotiate?

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/8/06 Middletown Journal:

Driver: IAM member harassed, 'brake-checked'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, December 08, 2006

AK Steel Corp. wants a Butler County judge to charge a locked-out member of its hourly work force for allegedly violating a court order by harassing a truck driver hauling steel from AK's Middletown mill last week.

According to an affidavit by the truck driver filed in Butler County Common Pleas Court Friday, Thomas L. Meadows, no address listed, cut off the driver repeatedly and harassed him for nearly nine miles as the truck driver hauled a 45,000-pound steel coil on Interstate 75.

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/12/06 Hamilton JournalNews:

Union Christmas: 'This year, it's more special for all of us'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Don't let Donna Dunkin's answering machine prompt fool you.

Although Dunkin informs inquiring salespeople and organizations that the "office" and "bank" are closed, the Middletown woman's heart is very much open.

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/13/06 Hamilton JournalNews:

AK union members to vote on leadership

Communication between Local 1943 and locked-out steelworkers an issue in election of officers.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Poor communication has plagued the hourly work force at AK Steel Corp. during the nearly 10-month labor dispute, say many candidates running for officer positions in the Middletown-based union.

On Thursday, with just two incumbents among the 13 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 vying for six spots on the Executive Committee, union voters have a chance to change that.

In all-day voting Thursday, the locked-out steelworkers will have the opportunity to choose from among three candidates running for both secretary/treasurer and vice president; and from among eight running for four trustee positions.

January 2, 200718 yr

Both from the 12/14/06 Middletown Journal:

Voting today for locked-out union's leadership

Negotiators for AK Steel, Machinists meet for more than two hours Wednesday.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, December 14, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. negotiators on Wednesday presented modified drug and alcohol testing and grievance procedures to its locked-out union.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 and company negotiators met for 21/2 hours. No new bargaining sessions were scheduled, as of late Wednesday.

Union leaders: Today's membership meeting 'important'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Officials representing hourly AK Steel employees locked-out of the Middletown Works plant since the spring are urging the union's rank-and-file to attend today's membership meeting.

In the wake of two changes proposed Wednesday to the company's latest contract offer, officials from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said there's much to discuss.

January 2, 200718 yr

Both from the 12/15/06 Middletown Journal:

Union president: AK's latest offer doesn't go far enough

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, December 15, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Officials from the union representing locked-out employees of AK Steel's Middletown Works plant said Thursday the company's latest proposed changes did not go far enough to make the contract appealing enough to accept.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 — including members of the union's executive committee and its president — have said there were two main issues keeping the two sides apart: Not having the ability to dispute disciplinary action on the job during the first six months of a return-to-work period, and the company's ability to contract out union jobs.

On Wednesday, during a two-and-a-half-hour bargaining session, negotiators for AK Steel Corp. offered the local union the ability to dispute disciplinary action. The company also said it would revamp its proposal on drug and alcohol testing, removing random requests.

New union officers call for change

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, December 15, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Amid a nearly 10-month lockout at AK Steel Corp. and growing frustration among the union membership, fewer than one-third of the rank-and-file cast ballots this week in an election for its leadership.

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/23/06 Middletown Journal:

Gap between AK Steel, union 'widens'

Company says time running out on proposal first offered on Oct. 19.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Three days before Christmas and approaching the 11-month anniversary of the lockout of hourly workers at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works, the union and company are growing further apart.

And time is running out on the offer sitting on the table from the company — a modified version of its Oct. 19 proposal.

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/24/06 Middletown Journal:

Union execs endorse AK contract offer

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Sunday, December 24, 2006

For the first time since the lockout of hourly employees at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works plant, the locked-out union's Executive Committee has endorsed a proposed contract that, if accepted by AK, would end the 10-month labor dispute.

January 2, 200718 yr

From the 12/28/06 Middletown Journal:

AK: Union's approval 'absolutely meaningless'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, December 28, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp.'s hourly work force union has "an obligation" to set the record straight when it comes to its latest counterproposal, a company official said Wednesday.

However, representatives from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 said they couldn't be more clear about the contract offer that was hand-delivered late last week to AK Steel's chief negotiator.

January 2, 200718 yr

it took 10 months and a lot of displaced workers and in the end, as usual, the union will finally cave to the company's demands.

This could have been accomplished 10 months ago without the heartache by the workers and families in the community.

Unions are nothing but a bunch of dinosaurs. What a waste of space.

January 2, 200718 yr

Unions are nothing but a bunch of dinosaurs. What a waste of space.

This is not entirely true...Unions often times do cave in to company's demands, but through this they lay the groundwork for a successful negotiation down the road. Ask a police officer, fire fighter, or automobile worker what they think of their respective unions. Or better yet ask those without ie service workers at places like Wal*Mart, restaurants, and other major retailers...or healthcare or hospitality workers; I would venture to say that those individuals would like to be represented by a strong union at this pivotal part of those industry's lives.

While unions may be "dinosaurs" in places that they have already accomplished much of their goals....unions as a whole are certainly NOT "dinosaurs", as working conditions across the board are not where they need to be. This is a simple effect of the capitalism system (not that the system is bad, but its not perfect). A certain level of checks and balances are needed to keep the system working properly/fairly!

February 20, 200718 yr

YIKES!!

Mayor Schiavone: AK headquarters headed to West Chester

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

AK Steel Corp. is expected to announce in the next 24 hours the company will move its headquarters to West Chester Twp.

Representatives from the Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said they received a call this morning from the AK Steel general office about the move.

Article summary.

Article link unavailable.

February 20, 200718 yr

Here is the Enquirer's version...

Trustees: AK Steel HQ to West Chester

BY JENNIFER BAKER | [email protected]

February 20, 2007

WEST CHESTER TWP. -- AK Steel will announce today it is moving its headquarters with about 650 jobs from Middletown to a new Duke Realty office building under construction in this fast-growing Butler County community, township officials said.

Alan McCoy, a company spokesman, called West Chester officials this morning to alert them to the news, said West Chester Township Trustee Catherine Stoker.

February 20, 200718 yr

This is TERRIBLE news for Middletown...expect some more resignations/early retirements to follow in Middletown City government.

This is one of those unfortunate situations occuring around the region where one community looks to gain, while another feels a tramatic loss.

:-o :cry:

February 20, 200718 yr

Official press release. It's 300 jobs, not 650. Doesn't make the pain feel any better:

Press Release Source: AK Steel Corporation

AK Steel to Move Corporate Headquarters

Tuesday February 20, 1:00 pm ET

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AK Steel Corporation (NYSE: AKS - News) announced today that it will move its corporate headquarters into a new, technology-ready building totaling 136,000 square feet currently under construction at Centre Pointe in Union Centre, located in West Chester, Ohio, a northern Cincinnati community.

The company will re-locate about 300 corporate office positions currently housed in Middletown to the new West Chester building in the third quarter of 2007. AK Steel will continue to have a significant presence in Middletown, including about 525 managerial and support personnel associated with the Middletown Works, a research and development center and other functions, along with the company's largest steel plant.

"Our new corporate headquarters will provide AK Steel with state-of-the- art technology, including advanced computing and communications capabilities that are necessary to improve our competitiveness. It will also facilitate more convenient face-to-face interaction with customers, suppliers and other important constituents," said James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO.

"Additionally, the move will assist us in attracting and retaining top professionals, who desire proximity to the abundant amenities and services available in the West Chester and northern Cincinnati area."

Mr. Wainscott praised Middletown, which has served as the company's headquarters since 1994.

"The City of Middletown, its leaders and its citizens have been very supportive of AK Steel, and our move does not reflect negatively in any way on that relationship," he said. "To the contrary, AK Steel and the AK Steel Foundation will continue their longstanding involvement and support of the Middletown community, as we do in all of our plant locations."

With respect to the existing buildings in Middletown, and especially the current corporate office at 703 Curtis Street, which was built in 1917, AK Steel said it was hopeful that they will be preserved and put to continued good use. The company said it

intends to discuss the future of the buildings with city leaders and officials.

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.

February 20, 200718 yr

Can you really blame them for leaving? Middletown is forcing out high paying jobs with their income tax. They just raised it again and they wonder why all the big business (AK, Middletown Regional) are leaving the city limits. Once cities (Middletown, Dayton, Cincinnati) figure out that large income tax percentages force out business, the better off they will be. While some tax is OK, most people can agree that they can spend their incomes much more wisely than the government does. Sucks for Middletown, but maybe they'll figure it out soon.

February 21, 200718 yr

What bothers me most about this is West Chester. If WC is sooo damn desirable then why can't they go out and attract a company/headquarters from outside of the region. All they have been doing is preying on the wounded and then swooping in for the kill.

This kind of economic development does NOTHING for the region...all we are doing is shuffling around jobs from one place to another. If WC is soo great, then they should go out and try to attract a bioscience company from California or elsewhere. Congrats WC you have gotten another office bldg filled with another displaced business from the region.

Oh this same remark goes out to Clermont County as well! DO SOME REAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ATTRACT SOME OUTSIDE JOBS/PEOPLE TO THE REGION!!!!

February 21, 200718 yr

West Chester is the Charlotte of Butler County.

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

February 21, 200718 yr

West Chester blooming, Middletown withering

ED RICHTER & MEGAN GILDOW / [email protected] & [email protected]

February 20, 2007

MIDDLETOWN — West Chester Twp. is not a first-class city, but it operates as one.

If it were to incorporate, it would be the largest city in Butler County and among the largest in the state.

It doesn't have a traditional downtown. It has been built up from farmland to become the envy of older, traditional and more established areas such as Middletown and Hamilton.

February 21, 200718 yr

Hooray for intra-regional cannibalism and regional governance fragmentation!

February 21, 200718 yr

(four exits compared to one in Middletown)

tee hee hee

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

February 21, 200718 yr

Middletown and Hamilton might as well merge now and become a force. lol

February 22, 200718 yr

West chester township is not a first class city, nor does it operate as one. period. no debate. don't just say something to pick a fight. you know you are wrong before you open your mouth. there is no west chester symphony, or ballet, or art museum, or natural history museum, or even a respectable theatre company.

February 22, 200718 yr

AK refutes total tax loss

County commissioner said news is devastating to Middletown, but is glad jobs remain in Butler County

ED RICHTER | [email protected]

February 22, 2007

MIDDLETOWN — An AK Steel Corp. spokesman called Middletown's tax loss estimates "considerably high" following the company's announcement it is moving its corporate headquarters.

On Tuesday, AK Steel announced it was moving about 300 jobs from Middletown to a new state-of-the-art building in West Chester Twp.s city officials said the loss of income tax revenues for those positions could be as much as $850,000 a year.

AK Steel's move similar to one in 1985

After 85 years of calling Middletown its home, Armco Inc. pulled up stakes for N.J.

THOMAS GNAU | [email protected]

February 21, 2007

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel's announcement Tuesday to move its corporate headquarters to nearby West Chester Twp. isn't the first time that the corporate force behind Middletown's steel mill has made plans to leave the city.

In November 1985, then-Armco Inc. — an AK Steel corporate predecessor — announced that the firm would move its top executives to New Jersey.

Locked-out worker: AK move 'just another knife in the back'

Union leader doesn't think the move south will affect contract negotiations

DAVE GREBER & CHRISTOPHER MAGAN | [email protected] & [email protected]

February 21, 2007

MIDDLETOWN — The same day AK Steel Corp. announced it would be moving its Curtis Street headquarters to West Chester Twp., representatives from the company and its locked-out union held a bargaining session for the second time this month.

And while officials from the company and leaders from its hourly work force agreed the relocation would have little impact on bargaining, some rank-and-file members weren't so sure.

Locked-out AK Steel Corp. employees Mike Chupka, left, and Mark Bowen sit outside the contractor gate Tuesday at Middletown Works. The company announced Tuesday it will move its corporate headquarters to West Chester Twp.

February 22, 200718 yr

Add to that list that West Chester has a very poor park system and a school system that is starting to see financial issues.

I wonder what will happen to them when WC nears build out and they stop receive large new income sources? I know, the suburbanites and companies will move to the next township to 'flee' the crime and 'high taxes'.

WC has done very little to make it a substainable community in the long run.

February 22, 200718 yr

I have lots of thoughts on this, but haven't had the time to put them all together. Upon hearing the news, I felt like the 10-year old boy that I was in 1985 learning that ARMCO was moving 22 high level executives to NJ wondering what would become of my town.

BUT, the Journal-News had a photo of the new building, and I foudn a picture of the old building.

I'd rather work out of the old classical building myself :)

February 22, 200718 yr

I'd rather work out of the old classical building myself :)

I'm with ya, preservationrestoration

February 22, 200718 yr

Strickland policy change to help locked-out workers

CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

February 22, 2007

COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland said Thursday that he's changing a policy to give locked-out workers easier access to job retraining.

Strickland established a new 120-day standard to determine if locked-out workers are unlikely to return to work, allowing those workers to become eligible for retraining programs after that time.

Sign In

AK Steel Business News

Featured Replies

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

Account

Navigation

Search