Pittsburgh-area stainless steel plant lays off 200

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/12/31/ap5871116.html

Associated Press, 12.31.08, 12:19 PM EST

A Pittsburgh-area stainless steel manufacturer has laid off more than 200 people since October.

President of the USW Local 1212 at Midland Steve Clutter says only about 10 of the 230 people who had worked at the plant still have jobs.

Allegheny Ludlum, a unit of Allegheny Technologies Inc. (nyse: ATI - news - people ), says the layoffs at its Midland facility could last six months or longer. The company told the state the "unprecedented economic conditions have caused a sudden and unexpected reduction in our business." The company says four supervisors and 205 hourly workers have been let go.

In August, the company was operating at full capacity and seeking new workers. But fourth quarter order dropped 50 percent below projections and remained that low.