U.S. Steel announced on September 3, 2026, that it has resumed production at its largest blast furnace, Blast Furnace #14, located at the Gary Works plant in Gary, Indiana. The restart follows the completion of a comprehensive $350 million refurbishment project, which included a full reline of the furnace.
The reline project involved replacing the furnace’s refractory lining and restoring critical support systems, including upgrades to gas, cooling water, hoisting, and stove systems. The extensive work required more than 1 million labor hours by employees and contractors and was completed with a Zero Days Away Injury Rate, reflecting a strong commitment to workforce safety.
Blast Furnace #14 is a key asset for U.S. Steel’s Gary Works facility, capable of producing more than 2 million metric tons of steel annually. The refurbishment is essential maintenance that supports continuous operations and helps maintain the facility’s production reliability. This upgrade is also part of a broader investment strategy under the ownership of Nippon Steel, U.S. Steel’s parent company, aimed at modernizing and sustaining American steelmaking capacity.
The restart of Blast Furnace #14 comes amid ongoing demand in the steel market and positions U.S. Steel to better meet customer needs going forward. Enhanced operational efficiency and reliability from the reline project are expected to bolster Gary Works’ role as a significant supplier of steel products supporting various American industries.
