U. S. Steel recently announced the successful return to service of Blast Furnace #14 at Gary Works following completion of a USD 350 million reline project.
The project required more than 1 million labor hours from employees and contractors and was completed with a Zero Days Away Injury Rate.The achievement reflects the commitment, expertise and teamwork of the thousands of people who helped execute an important, strategic project at Gary Works. The return of Blast Furnace #14 to service marks an important milestone for Gary Works and also reflects U. S. Steel’s continued commitment to investing in the long-term competitiveness of operations at Gary Works, where hot strip mill and related steel shop upgrades are enhancing capabilities, environmental performance and operational reliability.
Blast Furnace #14 is the largest blast furnace at Gary Works and the largest in U. S. Steel’s operating footprint. The reline ensures the facility’s long-term ironmaking capabilities and continued production of the reliable, high-quality American-made steel our customers across a wide range of industries depend on.
“The return of Blast Furnace #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 U. S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt. “This investment positions Gary Works to continue serving customers, supporting American manufacturing, and creating value for years to come.”
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 extensive maintenance on supporting infrastructure, including the furnace gas, cooling water, hoisting and stove systems.
The project brought together employees and contractors from across the region, with a peak workforce of approximately 1,000 contractors on site per day. Teams maintained a strong focus on planning, execution and safety while completing work across multiple disciplines and operating areas.
Capable of producing more than two million tons of hot metal annually, Blast Furnace #14 is a critical asset on which U. S. Steel’s long-term business strategy is anchored. With its NDK-produced large carbon block refractory, the company is reinforcing its position as an industry leader manufacturing high value-added steel products. The furnace uses iron ore pellets sourced from U. S. Steel’s Minnesota Ore Operations, supporting an integrated domestic steel supply chain from raw materials to finished steel.
Project by the Numbers
- USD 350 million investment
- More than 1 million labor hours worked
- Approximately 1,000 people at peak workforce
- Zero Days Away Injury Rate
- Largest blast furnace at Gary Works and in U. S. Steel’s operating footprint
- More than 2 million tons of annual hot metal production capability
