Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax

For Immediate Release

BETHLEHEM, Pa., March 20, 1998 -- In response to media inquiries concerning the phase down of operations at the Bethlehem Coke Oven Division, Bethlehem Steel Corporation said:

Cokemaking is expected to conclude by March 31. Coke deliveries, using stockpiled coke, will continue until the end of May.

The permanent closing of coke oven division operations will conclude by the end of June. The boiler house at the western end of the plant will continue to produce steam for WHEMCO until the end of June. Work to reduce the plant's electrical system and consolidate its infrastructure will continue for the remainder of the year.

Throughout 1998, Bethlehem Steel has worked closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to plan a phase down of operations that will be environmentally responsible.

By the end of March, 500 employees will be laid off when cokemaking ceases. By the end of June, an additional 200 employees will be laid off as the operation is permanently shut down and systems are discontinued. By the end of the year, an additional 100 employees will be laid off as infrastructure needs are eliminated.

The Philadelphia, Bethlehem and New England Railroad, which currently employs about 45 people, will continue to operate to deliver coke to common carriers and to serve other businesses on the property. Once coke shipments are concluded, the railroad's employment will be reduced.