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Allegheny Technologies Completes Acquisition of J&L Assets
PITTSBURGH -- Allegheny Technologies Inc. has completed the acquisition of certain assets of J&L Specialty Steel LLC. The closing of the acquisition followed ratification on May 28 of a new progressive labor agreement by employees at ATI Allegheny Ludlum and at the former J&L facilities represented by United Steelworkers of America."Our new labor agreement combined with our acquisition of these assets go a long way to 'fix' our stainless steel business," said Pat Hassey, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Allegheny Technologies. "We believe we have created a stronger Allegheny Ludlum. Allegheny Ludlum now has a more competitive cost structure. It has modern facilities and a diversified product mix and is capable of shipping in excess of 700,000 tons of flat-rolled products annually. Allegheny Ludlum is well positioned to sustain and enhance its position as one of the premier flat-rolled specialty metals companies in the world."Implementation of our integration plan begins today at key facilities in Midland, Pa., and Louisville, Ohio," Hassey continues. "We welcome the former J&L employees, who will number approximately 400 after a short transition period. This transaction maintains J&L's key capacity in the U.S. flat-rolled stainless steel market. We expect these facilities to have a real impact. They complement and enhance Allegheny Ludlum's manufacturing process.Highlighting the labor agreement is a new work environment, Hassey said. "It facilitates implementation of the ATI Business System. New flexible work rules enable efficient modern practices and reduce the number of production and maintenance job grades to 5 from 33. Employees are given broader responsibility and have the opportunity to become more engaged in the business. We believe this modern work environment secures a strong future for Allegheny Ludlum and its employees."Because of work force restructuring, one-time Transition Assistance Payments incentives will be offered by ATI to approximately 775 hourly employees who decide to retire over the next 2 1/2 years. The agreement expires June 30, 2007, and replaces existing labor agreements at Allegheny Ludlum and at the former J&L Midland, Pa., and Louisville, Ohio, facilities. "