Bethlehem Steel
The largest ship-builder and second largest steel producer in the United States began operations in 1904. Its main facility and headquarters were located in Bethlehem, PA. This plant manufactured armor plating and US Naval guns for the war effort. Nearly 70% of armor plating on all warships during WWII were manufactured by Bethlehem Steel. The company supplied sections of steel for the Golden Gate Bridge during its construction in the 1930's.
The 1950's were the biggest time for the corporation. They were producing around 23 million tons of steel per year. New locations were scattered across the United States, but the headquarters always remained in Bethlehem, PA (Martin Tower). By the time the 1970's hit, foreign steel became cheaper than US produced steel. By the early 1980's, the corporation had to begin shutting down some of their locations due to the massive loss that was seen in the past decade. In 1995, the main Bethlehem PA plant would cease operations. However, the corporation tried to hold on for life and filed for bankruptcy in 2001. It would last two years longer before completely dissolving in 2003.
In later years, the main campus in Bethlehem PA would see revitalization. Although some buildings were demolished, the steel stacks were preserved. The entire campus is now a busy event center, proud of its history of Bethlehem Steel. A walkway is open giving visitors an inside look at the main plant with historical plaques explaining its operations.
Read MoreThe 1950's were the biggest time for the corporation. They were producing around 23 million tons of steel per year. New locations were scattered across the United States, but the headquarters always remained in Bethlehem, PA (Martin Tower). By the time the 1970's hit, foreign steel became cheaper than US produced steel. By the early 1980's, the corporation had to begin shutting down some of their locations due to the massive loss that was seen in the past decade. In 1995, the main Bethlehem PA plant would cease operations. However, the corporation tried to hold on for life and filed for bankruptcy in 2001. It would last two years longer before completely dissolving in 2003.
In later years, the main campus in Bethlehem PA would see revitalization. Although some buildings were demolished, the steel stacks were preserved. The entire campus is now a busy event center, proud of its history of Bethlehem Steel. A walkway is open giving visitors an inside look at the main plant with historical plaques explaining its operations.
