LORAIN, Ohio — The current tariffs placed on incoming steel could have a positive impact in Lorain.
According to Lorain's mayor, Jack Bradley, the city is currently discussing a possible steel plant investment.
Republic Steel's parent company, Grupo Simec, headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico, is in discussions with several international steel producers to establish production in Lorain.
According to the mayor's office, international steel producers see a strategic and economic advantage to having a facility in the United States.
Factors like workforce potential, industrial infrastructure, and a prime location make Lorain a tempting home for a steel plant.
This investment could lead to anywhere between 500 and 1,200 new jobs.
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley gave the following statement:
“We are encouraged by the strong interest shown in Lorain as a site for renewed steel production. Republic Steel has been working with First Energy to guarantee that sufficient power can be delivered for steel production in Lorain. The City of Lorain will continue to collaborate closely with Grupo Simec and prospective steel partners as discussions advance. Additional information will be shared with the public as it becomes available.”
Lorain neighbors said they remember when the steel mill was an economic engine in the city.
“That steel mill was the heart of the city. It was the heart,” said James Tolento.
The Lorain native grew up one block from the 28th Street plant and said it was the primary employer and an integral part of the community.
“It was never really dark. Every time a bar would come out of the mill, the sky would turn orange and it looked like someone turned a lightbulb on,” he said.
Republic Steel scaled down its operations at the plant in 2016, staffing about 100 employees until all work was paused in 2022.
Tolento said, “When the steel mill left, everything left.”
In early 2024, the city said a lack of maintenance and communication from the owners prompted an investigation into the condition of the idle property.
Inspectors executed a search warrant and found numerous health and safety violations in several buildings.
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City leaders said the citations had the desired effect of re-establishing communication with Republic Steel. Since then, the company has demolished some of the worst-blighted buildings and addressed many of the most pressing health and safety concerns.
“I would say over the last year and a half, we have had regular communication with Republic, in terms of - what is the future of that property?” said Lorain Safety Service Director Rey Carrion.
Carrion and Mayor Bradley said the regular communication has helped build a productive relationship, and the current economic conditions are rekindling potential investments.
In 2018, Republic Steel also cited tariffs as an incentive to restart production in Lorain. Several dozen jobs from that effort were short-lived.
This time around, the city believes the conditions are more favorable.
“Our economy is more focused, I think, laser-focused, on producing things in the United States,” said Bradley.
He said, despite appearances, the property is still functional and has the power and infrastructure to support industry. Carrion said a new furnace installed in 2013 also meets current technology standards.
With the right operator, they believe the site could be functional by the end of 2026.
“For us, it’s exciting because I think it gives people a sense of hope that better days are coming,” Carrion said.
Neighbors told News 5 they were cautiously optimistic.
“I was hopeful, I was very hopeful that it would come back,” said Tolento. “It would be great because the community needs it."
