President's Message - May 9, 2025
Good Evening Sisters, Brothers, and Retirees,
Your committee met with the company yesterday and we have the following updates to share regarding ongoing business at ArcelorMittal Hamilton East:
Business & Production Updates
- ITW Shakeproof Program
The ITW Shakeproof program is now underway, with the majority of material being CHQ wire. Production is being split between the Hamilton mill and outside processor O&K. Volumes are expected to reach 1,000 tonnes per month by the end of Q2. - Western Canada Opportunities
There are emerging OT Class 2 opportunities in Western Canada. New orders have come in from Flexiforce in British Columbia, and the company is actively working on a new quote for S3 Manufacturing in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. - Inventory Building for July Shutdown
Space permitting, the company is collaborating with domestic OT customers (e.g., Techform, Omnicoil, Multimatic, Leggett & Platt) to build inventory throughout Q2 in preparation for the July shutdown. - Tariff Impact
the company continues to assess the impact of tariffs on CHQ customers. Orders on hand remain, but forecasts continue to decline. - Garage Door Market Update
The Class 2 garage door market is slowing due to seasonal trends. U.S. customers have confirmed they have ample domestic supply. To help reduce existing inventories, the company have agreed to a tariff-sharing pricing structure with three U.S. garage door spring manufacturers. - OT Line Activity
OT lines are currently being idled as needed. They will only run for specific customer orders that are immediately ready for shipment.
Plant Operations & Recalls
- Wiredraw Crewing Update
Active frames include 62, 65, 30, 31, and 34. Continuous frames are currently running material for our new customer, ITW. The company is working to get frame 14 running, possibly as early as next week. If successful, this could result in three additional member callbacks. Frame 13 is also being prepared, as both 13 and 14 are needed to meet ITW demand. If these are not operational in time, frames 30, 31, and 34 may be shifted to continuous operation ( 12 hours ). - Member Callbacks
Seven more members will be recalled from layoff next week. With new postings going up for millspare, wiredraw/bundling and driver positions, the plant is preparing to return to three shifts in Bundle and Cleaning LIne.
Capital Expenditures & Maintenance
- Descaler Installation
The new descaler for 28 motoblock is nearly complete. Final installation is expected by May 27, after which training on the new equipment will begin. - Furnace Maintenance
The furnace was down last week for scheduled maintenance, which has been successfully completed. - Summer Shutdown Projects
There are no changes to the summer shutdown plans in July. The company will be:- Upgrading the backup generator at Substation A in #1 wire mill
- Replacing the hot pan on Oil Temper Line 3
- Repairing the furnace archway
- Facility Repairs
A $400,000 investment in roof repairs at the #1 cleaning line is scheduled to begin in June.
Medical Benefits for Laid-Off Members
For members whose benefit coverage has expired or is expiring:
If you are required to pay upfront for prescriptions or dental services, please retain your receipts and a copy of your prescription and notify me as soon as possible.
The union has proceeded with arbitration process on this matter and is currently awaiting the company’s response. I expect to receive an answer early next week on whether the company wishes to resolve the issue without arbitration and continue benefits for 2 more months. I will keep you informed as soon as more information becomes available.
Enjoy the weather this weekend.
In Solidarity,
