Updated at: 09/02/2009 9:41 PM
By: Renee Passal

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UTac To Increase Production

Another sign of recovery on the Iron Range. Production at United Taconite is being ramped up.

The plant had one line idled last November. In lieu of layoffs, 400+ Steelworkers agreed to working a 32-hour work week.

Now, 9 months later, those workers will begin punching in 40 hours once again.

The ramp up will go like this. Right after Labor Day, mining operations will increase.

Then in October, the concentrator will be producing more.

And finally in November, the second line will be re-started.

"This is great news for the Steelworkers and the company," said Union President Jon Motley.

UTac's owner Cliffs Natural Resources echoed that sentiment.

"By offering everybody the chance to cut back on hours, and avoid layoffs, and to continue that for 9 months, it shows a spirit of cooperation and communication that is remarkable," said Maureen Talarico, company spokeswoman.