Steel mills dig out from winter storm

Feb 03, 2011 | 11:58 AM |

Metal companies continued to dig their way out from under record snowfalls Thursday as operations slowly returned to normal following a blizzard that swept across large portions of the United States on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A section of roofing at Yarde Metals Inc.'s plant in Southington, Conn., collapsed under the weight of heavy snow accumulations Wednesday. Workers were evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Gas to the building was temporarily turned off as a precautionary measure but is now back online, said the company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. Two buildings remain closed as snow removal continues as a precautionary measure.

"We continue to work with a team of experts to remove snow from the roof and begin recovery of the damaged zone," Matt Smith, president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. "Our branch locations aided in responding to customer calls, processing orders and diverting shipments to ensure continuity of business for our customers during the evacuation," and the Southington facility is now back online processing orders and receiving material.....