Georgetown steel mill to close temporarily

The steel mill in Georgetown is shutting down for more than a month after orders dried up in the slumping economy.

ArcelorMittal Steel spokeswoman Katie Patterson told The Sun News of Myrtle Beach the mill will close and lay off at least 300 employees Friday.

It won’t reopen until Jan. 12.

The economic downturn across the globe has reduced demand forsteel.

Union leaders say the mill makes wire that goes into tires and components for appliances.

United Steelworkers Local Union 7898 leader James Sanderson says the workers can draw unemployment and will keep their insurance.

Local economic leaders say the timing of the layoffs during the holiday season could be especially painful for shops and restaurants.