(Georgetown-AP) July 5, 2004 - Workers spent their first week back on the job at a Georgetown steel plant cleaning up and learning about how the new owner plans to run things.

International Steel Group plans to begin making high-quality steel rod products used to make wire rope and upholstery springs in August at what was once Georgetown Steel. The company had previously said it wouldn't start making steel until October, but mill spokesman George White says the timetable has been accelerated.

The Ohio company bought the bankrupt mill in June for $18 million and assumed the liabilities.

All but three of the 600 workers at that plant lost jobs at the plant as the company's finances soured and it went into bankruptcy. Forty workers are back on the payroll as of June 29th, and about 360 are expected to follow.

Most of the workers are returning from other jobs. Ernie Poston, for instance, spent time struggling as a commercial fisherman. But, he says international competition and high fuel prices meant he made about $50 a day.

Ron Collins, one of ten supervisory employees called back to work, says he's excited about the possibility. Collins, who worked for Georgetown Steel for 34 years, says he's been working at Wal-Mart since his layoff and doing some house remodeling.

Steelworkers Local President James Sanderson says workers were called back based on seniority and skills.

posted 9:52am by Chris Rees