ArcelorMittal confirms commitment to Lorraine region (France)

ArcelorMittal has initiated information and consultation of personnel representatives on a reorganisation project for its wire rod operations in Gandrange and Florange (Lorraine, France). At a meeting with the Select Committee of the European Works Council in Luxembourg, the Group presented a strategy to optimize this business segment.

The Gandrange project aims at strengthening the specialisation of the currently loss-making site in the wire rod rolling processes to enhance its future prospects. The project includes the development of the Wire Rod & Bar Mill, which would process billets supplied from other steel plants, and the closure of the steel plant and billet mill.

ArcelorMittal Gandrange intends to fully honour its social responsibility and give priority to the relocation of employees to its other sites (in particular in Florange and in Luxembourg). Every employee would be offered a solution.

As to Florange, ArcelorMittal has decided to increase the capital investment budget for Florange for 2008 by more than 60%. These investments will allow extending the viability and effectiveness of steelmaking operations.

These initiatives will be clearly strengthening our company’s presence and future prospects in the Lorraine region.