Acme to Shut 2 Rolling Mills

In a move to strengthen its position in other markets, Acme SteelCo. will close two small rolling mills and eliminate 40 jobs at itssouth suburban Riverdale plant, it announced Monday.

The facilities, which accounted for less than 4 percent of thecompany's flat-rolled shipments last year, will close Oct. 31, saidAcme spokesman Charles A. Nekvasil.

The No. 3 Hot Strip Mill and Billet Mill produce small billets,narrow plate and flat-rolled bar products, Nekvasil said.

Closing the mills will allow the firm to focus its resources onmore lucrative markets, said Stephen D. Bennett, Acme's president andchief operating officer.

"Acme Steel's long-term …