U.S. Steel announced it will close its Lorain Tubular Operation in northeast Ohio for several weeks, and layoff 77 employees. The company cited the economic recession as reason for the measures, noting a significant reduction in demand. Although the closure is set to last two weeks, a company spokesperson said it was unclear how long the ?vacation shutdown? would actually last. Troubles at the plant have affected other businesses in Lorain, Ohio as well. The city's unemployment rate is near 8%.
See "US Steel plans temporary shutdown, layoffs in Ohio", Forbes.com, March 4, 2009