We also appreciated the widespread and extensive cooperation from city, county, state and federal officials. It took a bit longer to build than we had hoped, but we're very happy today to officially open our West Coast mill. Coleman thanked Gov. Fife Symington's administration, Rep. Bob Stump and Sen. John Kyl for providing the leadership needed at state and federal levels to enable the mill to become a reality. Kyl and Stump were among those helping celebrate the event, along with recently appointed Arizona Department of Commerce Director Jackie Vieh, who represented Gov. Symington. Coleman also thanked officials of the Western Area Power Administration, Arizona Electric Power Cooperative and Mohave Electric Cooperative for working with North Star to develop innovative power transmission and supply agreements for the steel-recycling minimill.
North Star takes a long-term view in the planning and development of business opportunities.
Coleman noted that the company took seven years to select the best location for the mill. We don't make short-term investments. The mill, located in the McConnico area southwest of Kingman, provided work for 2,400 employees of contractors and subcontractors during various stages of construction. Several steel companies that formerly served those markets have ceased operations during the past few years, while the demand for steel continues to grow. With the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, that steel will be supplied either by competitively situated U.S. steel mills or foreign mills.