Latest News

Steelworkers Hoping New Owner Comes Forward for Hamilton Specialty Bar

March 1, 2018

HAMILTON – United Steelworkers (USW) representatives say they are doing everything they can to help find a new owner for the Hamilton Specialty Bar (HSB) mill that is in receivership and facing imminent closure.

“We have been informed that a motion to liquidate the company will be heard in court on March 14, as no formal bids have been received to take over operation of the plant,” said USW Ontario Director Marty Warren.

“We are working with our legal and financial advisors to do everything we can to help convince a potential buyer to come forward with a viable offer for the mill. We hope that, in the next 10 days, there will be a proposal for a going-concern bid for the plant,” Warren said.

“We know there are parties that still have interest in the mill and we know this plant can be successful, if given the chance,” said Mickey Mercanti, President of Steelworkers Local 4752, representing HSB employees.

While the receiver in Hamilton Specialty Bar’s court-supervised bankruptcy protection case has accepted a liquidation bid, the liquidation plan can be terminated if a viable bid to purchase the plant is received in coming days.

“It’s not over and we’re not giving up. We’re doing everything we can to find a new owner,” Mercanti said.

The HSB plant is an electric-arc mill that melts its own steel and manufactures products such as ingots and round bars, mostly for the automotive industry.

Marty Warren, USW Ontario Director, 416-243-8792
Mickey Mercanti, President, USW Local 4752, 905-512-5798, mercanti@rogers.com
Frank Arcuri, USW Staff Representative, 905-545-3008 ext. 225, farcuri@usw.ca
Denis St. Pierre, USW Communications, 416-544-5990, 647-522-1630, dstpierre@usw.ca

Join our newsletter

Recent news

Highland Valley Copper

Steelworkers at Highland Valley Copper issue 72-hour strike notice

October 21, 2026 | Media Releases

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 7619 has issued 72-hour strike notice to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operation near Logan Lake, B.C., following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement. The notice was served Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., with the union preparing for potential strike action if an agreement […]

Featured image for Building worker solidarity across North America in uncertain times 

Building worker solidarity across North America in uncertain times 

October 20, 2026 | News Articles

The jobs of thousands of USW members have been plunged into uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs, outsourcing and offshoring. In 2025, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has supported initiatives that help build union-to-union solidarity, which is critical to ensuring workers have a voice.   Over the years, the USW has supported the efforts of the Mexican […]

USW District 3 Logo

Steelworkers urge governments to invest in Alberta workers following vote to remain in Canada

October 20, 2026 | Media Releases

Scott Lunny, United Steelworkers Director for Western Canada, released the following statement following the Alberta referendum vote: “Albertans have made their voices heard. They want to remain part of a strong, united Canada. Now it’s time to put division behind us and get back to work building a better future for working families. “It’s time […]