Released July 10.

Leaders of Alabama steel mills and iron metalcasting facilities have organized the Alabama Iron & Steel Council through the office of State Labor Commissioner Jim Bennet.

The group was established to promote common interests of the state's five existing steel mills, and the ThyssenKrupp mill under construction in Calvert, Ala.

Bennett said the group will also explore workforce development, environmental issues and incentives for the state's steel and large iron pipe industry.

Merle R. Stein, general manager of U.S. Steel’s Fairfield Works was elected chairman, Ray Torok, vice president of U.S. Pipe & Foundry, vice chairman, and Brian Tomlinson, comptroller of IPSCO Steel in Mobile treasurer. Bennet will serve as secretary.

The group is scheduled to meet in Mobile Sept. 9.