U.S. Steel to Reopen Tin Mill at Gary Works

Steel giant to invest $15-20 million to restart tin production, bringing 225 jobs back to Northwest Indiana

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A minimalist studio photograph of a stack of shiny, metallic tin cans arranged on a plain grey background, using dramatic lighting to highlight the industrial materials and conceptually represent the strategic importance of domestic tin production.Gleaming tin cans symbolize the revival of a critical domestic manufacturing capability in Northwest Indiana.Gary Today

U.S. Steel announced plans to restart its tin mill at the Gary Works facility, investing $15-20 million to revive tin production and rehire 225 workers who were laid off when the mill was idled in late 2022 due to a glut of cheap imports. The move is part of the company's efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing supply chains, especially for industries like agriculture that rely on tin mill products.

Why it matters

The reopening of the Gary Tin Mill is a significant boost for the local economy in Northwest Indiana, which has seen manufacturing job losses in recent years. It also signals U.S. Steel's commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing and securing reliable supply chains, especially as the company has filed trade petitions against subsidized tin mill imports from China, Taiwan, and Turkey.

The details

U.S. Steel's parent company, Nippon Steel of Japan, will spend $15-20 million to restart the Gary Tin Mill, which was idled in late 2022 after cheap imports flooded the market. The mill closure resulted in over 240 layoffs. Now, the company plans to rehire 225 workers to resume tin production, which is a key material for industries like agriculture and food production.

  • The Gary Tin Mill is expected to be fully operational by early 2027.
  • U.S. Steel idled the No. 5 tin line at Gary Works and the East Chicago Tin finishing plant in 2019, resulting in 150 layoffs.
  • The tin mill was previously idled in 2015.

The players

U.S. Steel

A major American steel producer and the parent company of the Gary Works facility in Northwest Indiana.

Nippon Steel

The Japanese steel company that owns U.S. Steel and will be investing $15-20 million to restart the Gary Tin Mill.

David Burritt

The President and CEO of U.S. Steel.

Eddie Melton

The Mayor of Gary, Indiana, who welcomed the announcement as a boost for the local workforce and manufacturing industry.

Carolyn B. Jackson

An Indiana State Representative from Hammond who praised the investment and job creation at the Gary Works facility.

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What they’re saying

“Customers are increasingly focused on securing dependable domestic supply they can count on over the long term. Restarting the Gary Tin Mill positions us to serve that demand, support domestic manufacturing, and strengthen critical U.S. supply chains — including those that help support American farmers and food producers — provided trade is fair and enforced.”

— David Burritt, President and CEO, U.S. Steel

“As we look toward the Gary Tin Mill becoming fully operational in early 2027, my administration is eager to work closely with U.S. Steel and our local workforce development agencies. We are fully committed to preparing Gary residents for the jobs associated with this project, ensuring that our community is equipped, trained, and first in line to step into these essential roles.”

— Eddie Melton, Mayor of Gary, Indiana

“This is exactly the kind of investment our community deserves. These good-paying jobs at Gary Works mean 225 more families in Northwest Indiana with the stability and security they need. I'm proud to see Gary continue to be a hub for American manufacturing, and I'll keep fighting at the Statehouse to make sure our workers and our Region get every opportunity to thrive.”

— Carolyn B. Jackson, Indiana State Representative, Hammond

What’s next

U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers union have filed trade petitions against subsidized tin mill imports from China, Taiwan, and Turkey, which the company says contributed to the previous idling of the Gary Tin Mill. The outcome of these trade cases could impact the long-term viability of the facility's restart.

The takeaway

The reopening of the Gary Tin Mill represents a significant investment in domestic manufacturing and a boost for the Northwest Indiana economy. It signals U.S. Steel's commitment to strengthening critical supply chains, especially for industries like agriculture that rely on tin mill products. However, the long-term success of the facility will depend on the company's ability to compete with subsidized foreign imports.