Timken Expansion on Hold After Union Rejects Labor Deal

Jan. 17, 2012

Company plans to explore other options globally.

The Timken Co. said Jan. 17 the United Steelworkers union rejected a labor agreement that would have secured a plant expansion in Ohio. Timken will explore other investment opportunities around the world, said Timken Steel Business President Salvatore Miraglia. "Many parts of this company are growing and expanding around the world," said Miraglia in a prepared statement. "We are disappointed in this outcome because the contract was a necessary step before our commitment to invest $225 million in steel operations in Canton." Steelworkers Local 1123 based in Canton voted 917-608 to reject the agreement, according to the union's website. The existing contract remains in effect until Sept. 2013. Timken offered workers a contract that included wage and benefit increases, a signing bonus for ratification and additional job security measures, the company said.

About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.