Cleveland-Cliffs

Samuel Mather established a mining operation in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1846 that would eventually grow into the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. Originally known as Cliffs Natural Resources, the company rebranded in 2019 to reflect its expanded role in steel manufacturing alongside its iron ore operations. This shift marked a strategic move toward vertical integration, controlling the entire lifecycle from mining and beneficiation to pelletizing, steelmaking, stamping, and tooling.

Headquartered in Cleveland, the firm employs over 25,000 people and ranks as the second-largest steel producer in the United States, trailing only Nucor. Its specialized focus on value-added sheet products serves major automotive manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The company maintains a strong presence in the Rust Belt, with significant operational hubs in Michigan, Indiana, and other regions across North America. [edit]