Granite City Blast Furnace B Reignites: Senator Harriss, Representative Elik, U.S. Rep. Budzinski Call It a 'Christmas Miracle'

GRANITE CITY – State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) have released the joint statement below following Thursday’s announcement to refire Blast Furnace B at Granite City Works:

“Today’s news that Granite City Works will restart Blast Furnace B is the best possible news for the community, the workforce, and the global steel market. For months, we have been working, leaving no stone unturned, alongside local leaders and partners at the highest levels of government to reach this moment.

“Granite City Works plays an important role in meeting capacity and demand across the world. The return of steel production ensures that Granite City Works remains a crucial part of worldwide steel supply, especially after a tumultuous period in the industry. With the return of Blast Furnace B, steel will once again be produced here in our community.

“This development is not only an industrial achievement, but to many, it feels like a Christmas miracle. The decision acknowledges the strength of Granite City Works, our community, and the future of American steel. Throughout the challenges, laborers have continued to show resilience and adaptability, proving the extraordinary dedication of this workforce.

“We are overjoyed, proud, and optimistic about Granite City Works’ future. We will continue our advocacy to ensure investments are made, jobs remain local, and the community is fully supported on the path ahead.”

Budzinski Applauds Restart of Granite City Works Blast Furnace After Continued Pressure

U.S. Rep. Budzinski: 'We Raised Our Voices Together To Protect Future Of Granite City Works

SPRINGFIELD – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after news that U.S. Steel will be restarting one of the two blast furnaces at Granite City Works. This development is expected to reinstate hundreds of employees who were awaiting return to the plant.

“This year, I stood with the proud men and women of the USW to demand real investment in Granite City and a path forward for the plant,” said Budzinski. “At every step, we raised our voices together, and that persistence paid off. I’m encouraged by the decision to restart one of the furnaces and bring back the workers – it shows that advocacy and collective action make a difference. While this is good news for production on a temporary basis, we need more than short-term fixes. We need a long-range commitment and investment that ensures the skilled workers of Granite City have the future and assurances they’ve earned. That’s exactly what I plan to fight for.”

Since taking office, Budzinski has worked closely with the United Steelworkers (USW) to protect the future of Granite City Works and safeguard the jobs it supports. When the initial U.S. Steel–Nippon deal was announced without plans for investment in Granite City, Budzinski joined local USW leaders in demanding long-term commitments and a meaningful role for steelworkers in negotiations. After the acquisition, U.S. Steel signaled it would stop supplying slabs to Granite City Works – threatening the plant’s continued operation. In response, Budzinski and the USW pressed the company to reverse course, and U.S. Steel ultimately announced it would continue slab deliveries to the site.

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