Arcelor to close Hamilton wire-drawing mill, losing 153 jobs

ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada is shutting down its wire drawing mill in Hamilton, affecting 153 workers as operations shift to Montreal. The closure, announced Wednesday, is part of a company-wide restructuring. The Hamilton facility, which produces wire used in springs, hangers, and fasteners, will cease operations in the coming weeks.

The fate of the plant’s employees remains uncertain. While a joint committee will determine if some can transfer to Montreal, local union president Mike Hnatjuk of USW Local 5328—representing around 100 workers—called it a “horrible day.” The plant has reportedly lost US$2.6 million annually for five years.

While ArcelorMittal did not directly blame the decision on U.S. steel tariffs—now at 50%—the company cited economic challenges, increased imports, and unfavorable market conditions. Hnatjuk believes tariffs played a decisive role, especially given the plant’s ties to the automotive sector. He also pointed to steel dumping from foreign producers as a factor undermining domestic operations.

The closure marks another setback for Hamilton’s historically significant steel industry, which continues to face headwinds amid global trade pressures.

Story summarized from CBC