Cleveland-Cliffs, a steelmaker, has announced plans to idle portions of its Dearborn, Michigan, plant this summer, laying off approximately 600 employees. The company cited low demand for steel used in automotive manufacturing as the motivating factor for the decision.
The facility’s blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace steel shop, and continuous casting operations will be temporarily closed, with layoffs beginning on July 15. Cleveland-Cliffs stated that these actions will enable the company to operate more efficiently and cost-competitively in the current market environment.
Company officials expressed optimism about future reopening, stating, “We believe that once President Trump’s policies take full effect and automotive production is re-shored, we should be able to resume steel production at Dearborn.”
The Michigan layoffs follow similar job cuts in Minnesota, where Cleveland-Cliffs plans to lay off 630 employees as it idles its Minorca mine and reduces operations in Hibbing. The company has sent out Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices in both states.
With automotive manufacturing struggling, the steel industry remains volatile, leaving hundreds of workers uncertain about their future jobs.
