Citing current market forces and a surge in imported steel, Liberty Steel reported on April 19 that it is temporarily ceasing production of wire rod.

An announcement said that some 50 of the 79 employees at the facility in Georgetown, South Carolina would be laid off. The statement said that a flood of imports had led to decreased rod prices that made operations unprofitable. The company will continue to make steel mesh and welded steel products at the mill.

“Unfortunately, market forces are working against us in the rod market with the increase in imports and significant pressure on transportation costs,” declared Pieter Vanderwesthuizen, Liberty’s chief operating officer, in a written statement. “We fully intend to bring the rod mill back up as soon as it makes financial sense to do so. “We remain committed to the long-term viability of our Georgetown facility and continue to invest in the business,” he said.