U.S., Nippon Steel to reline Gary Works blast furnace this year
Steel News | 2026-02-17 00:03:25
This year, the company plans to invest $900 million in the facility, followed by $800 million in 2027 and $1.1 billion in 2028.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. Steel’s Gary Works facility, later this year, will receive its blast furnace reline through Nippon Steel’s investment into the American company.
Some Gary residents and activists are still opposed to the reline, saying they don’t believe it’s the best move environmentally.
The reline for blast furnace #14 will cost $350 million and take 100 days, starting in May and ending in August, according to U.S. Steel. The company plans to supply customers with no interruptions during construction, a spokesperson said in a Monday email.
“For the reline of blast furnace #14, U.S. Steel is working with Nippon Steel to implement technologies to build a high-productivity, energy-efficient furnace that contributes to reducing (carbon dioxide) emissions intensity,” the U.S. Steel statement said. “We remain focused on environmental excellence, regulatory compliance, and being a responsible neighbor in the communities where we operate.”
On Dec. 22, 2025, the U.S. Steel Board of Directors decided to approve funding for the $350 million reline project. Blast furnace #14 is the largest of the four at Gary Works, according to U.S. Steel, and it produces iron for high-strength steel that’s in various products, including cars and buildings.
According to a previous U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Nippon Steel plans to give at least $3.1 billion in capital investments to Gary Works, starting with $400 million in 2025. This year, the company plans to invest $900 million in the facility, followed by $800 million in 2027 and $1.1 billion in 2028.
In September 2025, the board also approved a $200 million investment into the Gary Works’ hot strip mill, which will help “optimize production costs and expand premium product offerings, including heavy gauge line pipe and automotive steel,” according to Post-Tribune archives.
Since Nippon’s interest in relining the blast furnace was announced, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development members have voiced concerns with the move, including unveiling a January study that claimed that Northwest Indiana needs a greener steelmaking process to ensure the industry’s long-term survival.
Courtesy: www.chicagotribune.com
