One of the leading US tinplate producers has announced further job cuts. ArcelorMittal will lay off 171 steelworkers at its tin mill in West Virginia so it can remain competitive amid "extraordinary economic conditions," a company spokeswoman told Associated Press on Monday.

About 35 workers were cut this week, said Mark Glyptis, president of United Steelworkers Local 2911. Another 100 or so have been on rotating, voluntary layoff since last year, and those layoffs will now continue indefinitely, he said. The union is now trying to identify a few dozen workers who will volunteer for the additional cuts. The Weirton local has about 850 members.

On Monday, company spokeswoman Mary Beth Holford said cuts in Weirton are critical to remaining competitive as a producer of tin-plated steel. She said ArcelorMitta "remains cautiously optimistic for a slow and progressive recovery, and does not expect additional layoffs in the US at this time."