The ATI-Allegheny Ludlum Corporation's relationship with the Alle-Kiski Valley, like many marriages, isn't a match made in heaven but has weathered stormy times to forge something of value.
Looking back through the stainless steel producer's history marked by high profits and low profits, strikes, acquisitions, environmental problems, corporate restructuring and challenges from subsidized foreign steel producers, Ludlum and the Valley have stayed true to each other for each other's benefit.
There is no better example of that than the September decision by Ludlum's parent company, Allegheny Technologies Inc., to invest between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion in a new hot strip mill at its Brackenridge Works.
"I think it is a long-term thing," said Dennis Davin, Allegheny County's economic development director. "What it does for us in Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania is solidify that manufacturing presence for the future.
"Companies don't do this kind of thing lightly. They don't do it unless it is the right business model. These guys were convinced that this is the right place to do it, the right work force and it really keeps 1,400 manufacturing jobs going in the Valley."
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