Inland Steel Company

Inland Steel Company

File:Inlandmw.JPG Inland Steel Building in Chicago
Industry	Steel Production
Predecessor	Chicago Steel Works
Founded	1893 (1893)
Founder	Joseph Block Philip D Block Joseph E Porter George H Jones William H Adams Elias Colbert Frank Wells John W Thomas
Defunct	Template:End date and age
Fate	Acquired by Ispat International
Successor	Cleveland-Cliffs (2020–present) ArcelorMittal (2006–2020) Mittal Steel Company (2004–2006) Ispat-Inland (1998–2004)
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois , United States

The Inland Steel Company was a significant American steel manufacturer operating from its inception in 1893 until it was acquired by Ispat International (which later became Mittal Steel Company) in 1998. Originally situated in East Chicago, Indiana, the company eventually relocated its headquarters to the iconic Inland Steel Building in Chicago.

Established by a consortium including Joseph Block, Inland Steel began by acquiring assets from a defunct mill in 1893. The firm expanded through deliberate investments and active family participation, inaugurating a second facility during the First World War. Starting in 1928, Inland Steel pursued vertical integration by acquiring companies to secure its supply chain. The 1950s brought increased consumer steel demand, with the Indiana Harbor main plant reaching its highest workforce level in 1969. Following this peak, the company encountered reduced demand, economic challenges, and unprofitable projects, resulting in downsizing until its 1998 sale to the Netherlands-based Ispat International. By 2020, its holdings were under the ownership of Cleveland-Cliffs.

As an integrated steel producer, Inland Steel specialized in the basic open hearth method, manufacturing steel capable of withstanding extreme temperatures—setting it apart from rivals who utilized Bessemer or acid open hearth techniques. Its flagship mill, established in 1901 on reclaimed land extending into Lake Michigan near the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, capitalized on its waterfront location to efficiently receive raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone transported by lake freighters. The company also operated its own fleet of bulk carriers to support these logistics.

Labor relations were overseen by the Steel Workers Organizing Committee Local 1010, founded in 1936. Recognized as one of the most progressive steelworker unions, Local 1010 focused on improving workplace conditions and negotiating wages and benefits, occasionally resorting to strikes when talks reached an impasse.

Startup

Inland Steel’s origins trace back to 1893 when Ross Buckingham acquired the failed Chicago Steel Works mill but lacked funds for expansion. Financial backing came from George H. Jones and investor Joseph Block—whose partners declined involvement. Block brought his son Philip D. Block into the business, and operations officially commenced on October 30, 1893.

By 1894, the company achieved profitability and reinvested earnings into machinery upgrades; this prompted investor William H. Adams to withdraw. Leadership remained within the Block family during these early years. In 1901, Inland Steel raised over $1 million to construct an open-hearth mill at Indiana Harbor in East Chicago, which became its principal facility and drove growth from 250 employees in 1897 to 2,600 by 1910. R.J. Beatty of Midland Steel invested and assumed general management duties, introducing sheet mills to the product range.

In March 1903, G.H. Jones was appointed president as capital stock increased from $2 million to $2.5 million. To ensure steady raw material supply, Inland Steel leased land at Minnesota’s Laura Iron Mine in 1906. The following year marked the commissioning of Madeline No. 1 furnace—the first blast furnace constructed in northern Indiana—named after Philip D. Block’s daughter. Founder Joseph Block died on December 6, 1914.

Growth

In 1917, Inland Steel reached a production milestone by exceeding one million tons for the first time, coinciding with the launch of a new plant fully powered by electricity, engineered by Westinghouse specialist Wilfred Sykes, who joined the firm in 1922. Philip D. Block took over as president in 1919, succeeding Alexis W. Thompson, and introduced a proposal for an eight-hour work shift contingent on industry-wide acceptance. In 1928, Inland expanded by acquiring White Marble Lime Company, which was rebranded as Inland Lime and Stone Company, leading to the development of Port Inland, Michigan around its quarry operations. By 1930, the company completed construction of its new headquarters in East Chicago.

The year 1935 saw Inland broaden its scope by purchasing Joseph T Ryerson & Sons’ steel warehousing business and appointing Edward L Ryerson as vice chairman on the board. Further diversification occurred in 1936 with the acquisitions of Milcor Steel and Wilson & Bennett Manufacturing; the latter was transformed into Inland Container Company, adding products such as pails, barrels, and food containers to Inland’s portfolio. By the onset of World War II, Inland Steel employed some 14,000 workers and produced approximately 3.4 million tons annually. The company earned prestigious Army/Navy "E" and Maritime Administration "M" awards in recognition of its wartime manufacturing excellence. In 1944, Inland achieved full vertical integration. Leadership shifted from Philip D. Block to L.E. Block in 1945 and then to Wilfred Sykes in 1948.

During the 1950s, demand for steel surged in consumer sectors including appliances and automobiles. Inland concentrated on cold rolling processes to meet this need and initiated a $360 million modernization campaign aimed at upgrading its plants and expanding resources. Clarence B. Randall became president in 1952. The company also established the Canadian subsidiary Caland Ore Company in 1953 and constructed the Inland Steel Building as its headquarters in downtown Chicago between 1956 and 1957. Joseph L. Block succeeded Randall as president in 1959.

The decade of the 1960s was characterized by profitable expansion, highlighted by a major facility enlargement from 1962 through 1966 and the opening of a new research laboratory in East Chicago in 1967. That same year, Philip D. Block Jr. assumed leadership from Joseph L. Block. By 1969, employment at the Indiana Harbor mill reached nearly 25,000 employees, underscoring Inland Steel’s dominant market position and operational scale during this era.

Decline and acquisition

In the early 1970s, Inland Steel encountered a significant downturn within the industry and diversified into residential development through its subsidiary Inland Steel Urban Development Corporation. During this period, foreign steel producers expanded their market share within the U.S. In 1971, Michael Tenenbaum was appointed president with a focus on technical coordination and environmental compliance. The company returned to profitability by 1974; however, a recession in 1975 brought an end to the steel industry boom as domestic markets contracted until about 1978.

The challenges intensified throughout the 1980s due to foreign competitors offering lower prices than U.S. producers could match. Between 1982 and 1985, Inland suffered cumulative losses amounting to $456 million and began divesting various subsidiaries including those involved in raw materials and transportation, effectively ending its full vertical integration model. Operations at the Indiana Harbor mill fell to approximately 70% capacity.

To gain access to Japanese automotive manufacturers operating in North America, Inland formed joint ventures with Nippon Steel—establishing I/N Tek and I/N Kote facilities—but sustained profitability remained out of reach. Although Inland was recognized as the largest steel distributor and fourth largest steel producer nationwide, it did not record a profitable year until 1994. In 1995, it created Inland International to boost sales across Mexico, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, and India. To meet shareholder expectations, the company retained its steel distribution arm Ryerson-Tull while preparing to divest its steel manufacturing assets.

In July 1998, Ispat International (which later became Mittal Steel Company) acquired Inland Steel for $1.4 billion. Mittal Steel subsequently merged with Arcelor in 2006 to form ArcelorMittal. In 2020, ArcelorMittal sold its U.S.-based assets—including former Inland Steel operations—to Cleveland-Cliffs.

Open-hearth steel

Inland established its initial research laboratory in 1894. By 1935, this facility employed 35 researchers within the open hearth division, who were responsible for analyzing steel during production to detect impurities, assess chemical composition, and evaluate material properties. The company also dedicated efforts toward innovating new steel varieties.

In 1901, Inland acquired a 50-acre site along Lake Michigan to construct an open hearth furnace facility. Operations commenced in August 1902 at the Indiana Harbor plant, featuring four 40-ton open hearth furnaces, a blooming mill, several sheet and bar mills, with corporate offices located in Chicago’s Marquette Building. Expansion continued in 1906 with the addition of a 50-acre parcel and the acquisition of the Laura ore mine on the Mesabi Range. Completion of the fifth open hearth furnace increased daily steel output capacity to 500 tons. The "Madeline" blast furnace, capable of producing 350 tons per day, began operating in August 1907. This furnace functions by heating iron ore, limestone, and coke to temperatures exceeding 3000°F to eliminate impurities.

Sheet steel

By 1908, the Indiana Harbor facility had incorporated three sheet mills, galvanizing pots, and merchant mills. Two years later, in 1910, the plant expanded further by adding two additional open hearth furnaces and eight sheet mills; simultaneously, iron ore extraction started on Minnesota’s Cuyuna Range. To finance growth involving two blast furnaces and six open hearth furnaces, capital stock was increased from $2.5 million to $5 million. The bolt and rivet workshop was inaugurated in 1911 alongside the formation of the Inland Steamship Company. In 1912, Madeline No. 2 blast furnace was installed.

Plant 2 began functioning in 1916 with six open hearth furnaces and a roughing mill; it achieved full electrification by 1917. That year also saw Inland commission 44 Koppers coke ovens (bringing the total to 130 ovens) equipped with by-product recovery systems. Madeline No. 3 blast furnace, capable of producing between 500 and 600 tons daily, commenced operations in April 1917 alongside ten open hearth furnaces, soaking pits, a blooming mill, and new dock facilities.

Inland pursued vertical integration by acquiring limestone and dolomite quarries in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 1928, establishing Inland Lime & Stone Company. Port Inland harbor was constructed with stone-crushing and ship-loading infrastructure completed by 1930. Coal supplies were secured through ownership of Greenwood Mine in Michigan and Elkhorn Coal Company in Kentucky; Inland also invested in improving transportation infrastructure near the latter.

Between 1932 and 1938, enhancements at Indiana Harbor included installation of a 76-inch hot strip mill, a tin mill, an upgraded faster hot strip mill (44-inch), an additional 59 coke ovens, and five more open hearth furnaces. Madeline No. 5 blast furnace—the largest at that time with a capacity of 1,000 tons per day—started operation in January 1939; Madeline No. 6 followed in service by 1942.

Inland extended operations into Canada by founding Caland Ore Company in 1953 to lease high-grade iron ore deposits beneath Steep Rock Lake in Ontario. A modernization initiative culminated with construction of a new corporate headquarters building completed in 1957. Further iron ore assets were obtained through investment in The Wabash Iron Company located in Labrador during 1959.

Basic oxygen steelmaking

Inland Steel launched an expansion program in 1962 that included installation of an 80-inch continuous hot strip mill and its inaugural basic oxygen steelmaking facility, resulting in the shutdown of its longstanding open-hearth operation that had been active for six decades. A dedicated research center was finalized in East Chicago by 1967.

By 1980, Madeline No. 7 blast furnace—then recognized as the largest blast furnace across the Western Hemisphere—was commissioned alongside the No. 11 coke battery constructed two years prior. That year also marked the cessation of taconite pellet shipments from Caland Ore Company to Indiana Harbor as Inland divested most of its raw material holdings.

Strategic growth for Inland Steel included acquiring J.M. Tull Metals Company in 1986 to bolster metal product manufacturing and distribution capabilities. The company further expanded internationally through joint ventures with Nippon Steel: launching the I/N Tek continuous cold rolling mill facility in New Carlisle, Indiana (1987), followed by the I/N Kote steel sheet galvanizing plant at the same site in 1988. These collaborations enhanced Inland’s market presence and competitive strength within steel processing and finishing sectors.

Employee programs and benefits

In 1911, the Inland Department of Safety, Sanitation, and Relief initiated a safety initiative at the workplace that successfully cut accident-related absenteeism by approximately one-third. That same year marked the establishment of the Inland Fellowship Club, which was financially supported by 70% of Indiana Harbor workers contributing 10 cents each month toward employee assistance, alongside coal donations from the company. During the Great Depression, employees allocated 3% of their wages to the club, a contribution matched by Inland. By 1934, proceeds from vending machines were directed to fund the Inland Athletic Association, encouraging staff involvement in multiple sports activities. A healthcare clinic serving workers and their families was inaugurated at Indiana Harbor in 1936.

Inland rolled out contributory group insurance beginning with life coverage in 1930. This was followed by a pension scheme in 1936 and expanded insurance offerings covering sickness, accidents, and hospitalization in 1940. Death and dismemberment protection was added in 1942. By 1960, all insurance benefits transitioned to noncontributory status. Early retirement benefits were introduced in 1966, major medical insurance came in 1970, dental coverage started in 1971, and vision insurance was implemented in 1979.

Local 1010

Local 1010, Inland’s union, gained a reputation as one of the most leftist and militant steelworkers’ unions, earning the moniker "red local." It originated in 1936 when eight members from the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel & Tin Workers joined the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC), including William Young—who became Inland’s first Black negotiator and chaired a steelworkers’ grievance committee.

After U.S. Steel secured a collective bargaining agreement in 1937, SWOC organized a nationwide strike targeting “little steel” firms such as Inland. This May strike effectively halted operations at Indiana Harbor without requiring police involvement. Local 1010 stood in solidarity with Republic Steel strikers during the Memorial Day Massacre, where Chicago police killed ten workers—including four from Inland—and wounded many others. The strike concluded on July 1 through mediation led by Governor M. Clifford Townsend; although Inland agreed to wage increases, it declined to formally recognize the union.

Local 1010 continued advocating for nondiscrimination policies, equal pay, and promotion based on seniority. In 1942 SWOC became the United Steelworkers Association (USWA), and under directives from the National War Labor Board, Inland became the first among “little steel” companies to sign a contract with the United Steelworkers of America. Strikes throughout 1946 and 1947 resulted in cumulative wage gains of 34 cents per hour; a month-long strike in 1949 secured additional pay raises along with a pension plan.

The following decade experienced numerous stalemates. The 1952 steel strike ended only after manufacturers accepted terms set by a wage stabilization board. A three-year agreement reached in 1956 included yearly wage increases, paid holidays, and a no-strike provision; Local 1010 also participated in industrywide negotiations through the Coordinated Committee of Steel Companies (CCSC). Upon expiration of that contract in 1959, a prolonged strike lasting 116 days achieved enhanced wages, improved insurance benefits, and pension provisions—marking the longest and final strike against Inland Steel or its predecessor entities by Local 1010. Since the CCSC dissolved in 1985, Local 1010 has conducted bargaining independently at former Inland Steel locations.

Inland fleet

The Inland Steamship Company was founded in 1911, with Hutchinson & Company of Cleveland overseeing marine operations and supply management. The company acquired two steamships from Acme Transit Company: the Hawgood and the Woodford.

SS Joseph Block

The 569-foot vessel originally named Arthur H. Hawgood was later renamed Joseph Block. Throughout its service, it encountered several incidents: in 1913, it required drydock repairs after colliding with a pier at Sault Ste. Marie and subsequently ran aground, also striking the steamer Calcite. In 1916, its crew successfully rescued a survivor from the wreck of the S R Kirby. The ship suffered ice damage in 1917 and underwent repairs following a severe storm in 1919. After running aground near Green Bay in 1968, the company sold the ship to Kinsman Marine Transport, where it was refurbished and renamed George Steinbrenner.

SS N. F. Leopold

The second vessel, initially called the W. R. Woodford, was renamed N. F. Leopold and measured 552 feet in length. It faced various operational challenges including grounding near Port Calcite in 1915, ice-related damage in 1917, and a minor collision with the Charles L. Hutchinson in 1924. Two groundings in 1928 necessitated replacement of parts; another grounding occurred forty years later in the St. Marys River. In 1979, it collided with the tugboat George N. Carleton, sustaining only minor damage. The ship was laid up in 1981 and sold to Basic Marine in 1986 for use as a cement storage facility but sank due to overloading. Between 1988 and 2006, it was moved among scrap yards.

SS Philip D. Block

Constructed by American Ship Building Company in Lorain, the Philip D. Block began service in 1925 under Pioneer Steamship Company before being acquired by Inland in 1936. Originally measuring 600 feet, it was lengthened by 72 feet in 1950 along with improvements to its navigation systems, engines, and crew accommodations. In 1955, while moored at Indiana Harbor, it sustained only superficial damage after being struck by the departing G. A. Tomlinson. The vessel remained operational until laid up in 1981 and was sold for scrapping at Port Colborne in 1985. Its equipment was removed prior to being towed to Brazil for dismantling in 1986 alongside the W. W. Holloway.

MV Steel Chemist

In 1946, Inland purchased the motor vessel Steel Chemist from U.S. Steel and renamed it The Inland. This 258-foot vessel was equipped with two deck cranes and transported steel products across Great Lakes ports. After two years of service, it was sold to Transit Tankers & Terminals in Quebec, converted into a liquid bulk carrier, and renamed Transinland. The ship experienced vandalism during an extended layup period and was ultimately scrapped in 1980.

SS Wilfred Sykes

Named after the company president, the SS Wilfred Sykes was the first Great Lakes vessel constructed in the United States following World War II, entering service in 1950. At 678 feet long, it featured increased speed and cargo capacity and became a benchmark for future lake freighters. It held the title of largest ship on the Great Lakes for two years and set five iron ore tonnage records.

Despite several groundings (in 1973, 1998, and 2002) and a boiler explosion in 1984 causing significant mechanical damage, the ship continued operating. Notably, its crew rescued survivors from the SS Henry Steinbrenner in 1953, receiving U.S. savings bonds and a bravery award from the Lake Carriers Association for their efforts. The vessel also took part in rescue operations during the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975.

After Inland Steel's sale in 1998, ownership transferred to Indiana Harbor Steamship Company with management handled by Central Marine Logistics. As of 2025, the Wilfred Sykes remains active.

SS Edward L. Ryerson

Commissioned in 1960, the SS Edward L. Ryerson stretches 760 feet and was engineered with a reduced cargo space and a flat bottom to enhance the transportation of iron ore. Purchased by Indiana Harbor Steamship Company in 1998 and operated under Central Marine Logistics, the vessel underwent prolonged periods of inactivity from 1998 until 2006, and again starting in 2009.

SS Clarence B. Randall

Originally named J.J. Sullivan, the 552-foot vessel was acquired by Inland in 1962 and subsequently renamed Clarence B. Randall. Despite previous incidents under its original designation, it encountered only one minor grounding in 1973 during its tenure with Inland. The ship was sold in 1976 for conversion into a storage barge; however, it sustained fire damage during this process and was eventually dismantled in 1987 after passing through several owners.

MV Joseph L. Block

The MV Joseph L. Block, launched in 1976 and measuring 728 feet, boasts a carrying capacity exceeding 37,000 tons. Between 1990 and 2010, the vessel experienced multiple groundings but continued to operate under Indiana Harbor Steamship Company and Central Marine Logistics from 1998 forward. A notable event occurred in 2006 when its crew executed a rescue operation on Lake Michigan. As of 2024, it remains active, marking the opening of the shipping season as the first commercial ship to pass through the Sault Ste. Marie locks.

MV Adam E. Cornelius

Leased from the American Steamship Company in 1994, the MV Adam E. Cornelius was originally constructed in 1973 as the Roger M. Kyes, with a length of 680 feet. The vessel endured several incidents requiring repairs, predominantly groundings. A significant event took place in 1983 when its aft mast collided with the I-75 freeway bridge spanning the Rouge River. After unloading cargo, it was unable to clear the bridge on departure and had to return for mast removal.

Renamed Adam E. Cornelius in 1989, it retained this name during its lease to Inland but was repainted with Inland’s insignia. Early in its service with Inland, repairs addressed damage to a ballast tank caused by grounding. In 1997, ice inflicted severe flooding at the bow, necessitating drydock repairs. The ship was returned to American Steamship Company in 1998 and continued its operations thereafter.

President

1. Joseph E. Porter, 1893–1898
2. George H. Jones, 1898–1906
3. Charles Hart, 1906–1908
4. Alexis W. Thompson, 1908–1919
5. Philip D. Block, 1919–1941
6. Wilfred Sykes, 1941–1949
7. Clarence B. Randall, 1949–1953
8. Joseph L. Block, 1953–1959
9. John F. Smith Jr., 1959–1966
10. Frederick G. Jaicks, 1966–1971
11. Michael Tenenbaum, 1971–1978
12. Frank W. Luerssen, 1978–1984
13. Robert J. Darnall, 1984–

Chairman of the Board

1. Alexis W. Thompson, 1906–1919
2. Leigh E. Block, 1919–1940
3. Edward L. Ryerson, 1940–1953
4. Clarence B. Randall, 1953–1959
5. Joseph L. Block, 1959–1967
6. Philip D. Block, 1967–1971
7. Frederick G. Jaicks, 1971–1983
8. Frank W. Luerssen, 1983–

External links

• Artistic Illustration of the Inland Steel Company’s Chicago Heights, Illinois facility, 1894 available through the Digital Collections of IUPUI University Library
• The Michael Tenenbaum archival collection housed at the Hagley Museum and Library – materials related to the former president of Inland Steel
• The Metal Giant, Periscope Film #96264 – An educational documentary produced by Inland Steel in 1981 outlining its industrial activities