EAST CHICAGO, Ind. (AP) - Company and union officials say steel maker ArcelorMittal is planning to restart a blast furnace at a northwestern Indiana mill in a move that could put hundreds of workers back on the job.

The company says it is increasing production at the East Chicago plant in response to improving market demand. Nearly 1,000 workers were laid off from the mill last summer as it shutdown some operations.

The Times of Munster reports neither the company or union said how many workers would be rehired or when they would return.

United Steelworkers Local 1011 president Tom Tyrka called the decision good news for the mill’s workers and their future.

Posted 1/29/2010