U.S. Steel has completed a $350 million blast furnace reline at its Gary Works operation in Indiana, returning more than 2 million tons of annual hot metal production capability to service. The project replaced the furnace’s refractory lining and restored critical systems supporting high-temperature ironmaking operations and long-term steel production.
Blast Furnace No. 14 has returned to service following completion of the reline project. The furnace is the largest at Gary Works and in U.S. Steel’s operating footprint.
The reline included replacement of the furnace’s refractory lining as well as restoration of critical systems designed to support safe, reliable operation and extend the furnace’s productive life. During the outage, teams also completed maintenance on supporting infrastructure, including the furnace gas, cooling water, hoisting, and stove systems.
The project required more than 1 million labor hours from employees and contractors, with a peak workforce of approximately 1,000 contractors on site per day.
President and CEO
U.S. Steel
“The return of Blast Furnace No. 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,” said David B. Burritt, president and CEO of U.S. Steel. “This investment positions Gary Works to continue serving [clients], supporting American manufacturing, and creating value for years to come.”
Blast Furnace No. 14 is capable of producing more than 2 million tons of hot metal annually. The furnace incorporates large carbon block refractory produced by NDK, and it uses iron ore pellets sourced from U.S. Steel’s Minnesota Ore Operations as part of the company’s integrated steel supply chain.
The project comes as U.S. Steel continued hot strip mill and related steel shop upgrades at Gary Works intended to enhance capabilities, environmental performance, and operational reliability.
Press release is available in its original form here.
