SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report: (date of earliest event
reported): March 31, 2000
LACLEDE STEEL COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Delaware 0-3855 43-0368310
(State or Other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
Jurisdiction of File Number) Identification Number)
Incorporation)
One Metropolitan Square
St. Louis, Missouri 63102
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(314) 425-1400
<PAGE>
Item 5. Other Events
On Friday, March 31, a structural failure occurred at the Registrant's
Melt Shop in Alton, Illinois. While the operating furnace, the backup furnace
and related equipment were not damaged, extensive damage was done to the
structure of the building and the surrounding area. In addition, furnace dust
(K061), which is regulated as hazardous waste, escaped from collapsed ductwork,
but is confined to the site. No one was injured.
As a result of this accident, steel production at the Alton Plant has
been suspended for an indefinite period of time. The Registrant has in place
property and environmental insurance, which after payment of the $100,000
deductible amount, it believes to be adequate to cover the costs of
reconstruction and cleanup. The Registrant expects to restore the facilities to
normal operating conditions as soon as possible. The Registrant also maintains
business interruption insurance for the period the electric melt shop is out of
service.
The suspension of operations affects only the steel production
facilities at the Alton Plant. All other operations, including finishing
operations at the Alton Plant, will continue, utilizing existing semi-finished
and finished inventories. In addition, the Registrant is in the process of
arranging for the purchase of semi-finished steel to support its bar and pipe
operations. The Registrant expects no disruption of customer shipments.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
LACLEDE STEEL COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date: April 5, 2000 By: /s/ Michael H. Lane
-----------------------------------
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Secretary
