Global Fastener News

1985 FIN – The Lebanon, Pennsylvania-based Industrial Fastener Division of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, has been awarded a $500,000 contract to supply specially designed fasteners for use in the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey) deck reconstruction.

Richard Harris, division general manager, told FIN Bethlehem’s Lebanon plant will manufacture approximately 600,000 Interference Body Bearing Bolts, which feature a ribbed mid-section which feature a ribbed mid-section which fills the entire bolt hole, thereby allowing the nut to be tightened without having to hold the bolt head.

The project was awarded to Bethlehem at least in part because of the Delaware River Port Authority’s “Buy American” provisions and because of unspecified union cooperation.

Despite this new contract, the Lebanon facility remains for sale, as does their fastener operation in Birmingham, Alabama, Vulcan Rivet and Bolt. It is unlikely that the contract will result in the recall of some 450 laid-off hourly employees. Approximately 325 hourly employees remain on the job.

Last year 1984, of course, was a year of transformation for Bethlehem. First, they sold their Seattle, Washington, fastener plant in August. Second, they closed the Lebanon plant’s bar mill, which once produced 150,000 tons/year and its roll shop. Third, they closed their mine roof bolt operation[EP1] , the oil well sucker rod department, and the copper shop.

In short, the Lebanon facility, once a major fastener manufacturer, is now a specialty forgings company.

As for the future of the plants, Harris told FIN “discussions have been and are being held with a number of potential buyers.” Bethlehem’s Industrial Fastener Division is located at 1 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 Tel: (717) 272-4611. ©1985/2011 Fastener Industry News

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