Steel maker's 2,444 jobs head list of layoff notices

Nearly 3,000 more Hoosiers are expected to lose their jobs starting early next year, thanks to a flurry of layoffs announced over the weekend.

Northwestern Indiana would take the biggest hit. About 2,444 employees at ArcelorMittal's steel plant in Burns Harbor learned Friday that they could be laid off indefinitely in January because of a slowdown in production.

In addition, five other companies across the state stand to lay off 500 workers.

The cuts include 92 marketing and sales positions at the Indianapolis office of Bluegreen Corp., a Florida-based vacation rental and time-share specialist.

ArcelorMittal said the recent drop-off in global steel production and the company's previously announced plan to reduce production in North America by 40 percent played into its decision.

Jim Robinson, director of United Steelworkers District 7, said the union is negotiating with ArcelorMittal to minimize the number of layoffs.

"Any discussion about the ultimate nature of what will happen is premature," Robinson said.

Several other companies on Friday informed the Indiana Department of Workforce Development of impending layoffs:

Accent Marketing Services in New Albany said it would cut 164 jobs by mid-January because of a lack of work.

Fleetwood's travel trailer and camper manufacturing operation in Crawfordsville said it would lay off 109 employees by mid-January.

Pennsylvania-based MI Windows and Doors' metal manufacturing facility in Lebanon will lay off 133 workers, though the cuts will take as long as a year to complete.

Hartford Metal Products in Hartford City, which is being sold and closing, will shed 38 employees.

In October, Indiana's unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, lower than the nation's and the rates of surrounding states.

Call Star reporter Tom Spalding at (317) 444-6202.