US Steel idling Granite City plant, 2,080 employees affected

GRANITE CITY, Ill. — U.S. Steel is idling its operation in downstate Granite City and letting go of more than 2,000 workers, the company announced Wednesday.

All operations in Granite City will be temporarily idled, according to a statement from the company. As a result, 2,080 employees are being laid off.

The company is consolidating its steelmaking operations throughout North America to meet consumer demands, according to the statement.

“The company routinely adjusts productions at its operating facilities to reflect market fluctuations,” the statement said. “The consolidation is a result of challenging market conditions that reflect the cyclical nature of the industry.”