A wave of disappointment and frustration swept across the Weirton area following Cleveland-Cliffs’ unexpected announcement that it was pulling the plug on its planned $150 million transformer plant. Local leaders, who had hailed the project as a major step toward economic revival, are now grappling with what they see as broken promises and dashed hopes.
Cleveland-Cliffs made the announcement last Wednesday evening, revealing during its first-quarter earnings report that the project would be halted amid a staggering $450 million loss. Alongside the cancellation of the Weirton project, the company also announced it would be idling several facilities across Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois.
The planned Weirton transformer facility, first revealed with fanfare in July 2023 by Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman and CEO Lourenco Goncalves, was expected to bring about 600 jobs to the region.
Of the total $150 million investment, $50 million was to be provided by the State of West Virginia in the form of incentives. However, according to Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, none of those funds had been distributed as the company never signed a loan collateral agreement.
McGeehan, who had previously reached out to Cleveland-Cliffs for updates, was assured the project was on track. That’s why, he says, the sudden cancellation makes little sense.
“They gave people false hope—especially former steelworkers who saw a future in that plant,” McGeehan said. He is now urging Governor Patrick Morrisey to reallocate the untouched $50 million toward other economic development initiatives in the Northern Panhandle.
State Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Wellsburg, echoed McGeehan’s sentiments, calling the company’s actions “disappointing but not surprising.” He pointed out Cleveland-Cliffs’ track record in the region, including the closure of the Mountain State Carbon coke plant in Follansbee and the ripple effect that led to the shutdown of Trivium Packaging due to lease termination.
“Their legacy in this area is clear: closed factories, lost jobs, and broken promises,” Weld said. He believes the property still holds potential and called on the company to sell the site so others could invest in it.
Weirton Mayor Dean Harris, while disheartened, remains cautiously hopeful. He was notified of the decision by United Steelworkers Local 2911 President Mark Glyptis just prior to the public announcement.
“It’s disappointing, but we’re still optimistic. Maybe the project isn’t dead—just delayed,” Harris said. He emphasized that the city continues to explore other development possibilities in the Half Moon Industrial Park and Weirton’s north end.
Hancock County Commission President Eron Chek also expressed optimism despite the setback. “This isn’t the end for Weirton. I’m hopeful for a more favorable business environment in the near future,” she said.
Del. Jimmy Willis, R-Brooke, added that the community remains open and ready for businesses that are committed to real investment. “If Cleveland-Cliffs won’t move forward, hopefully they’ll sell the land so someone else can,” Willis said. He also expressed hope that the company can improve its financial standing and deliver on promises elsewhere.
In the meantime, the people of Weirton are left with uncertainty, but also resilience. The disappointment over Cleveland-Cliffs’ decision may linger, but local leaders are already shifting focus to new possibilities and pressing forward with their vision of a revitalized industrial base for the region.
