Building on Today’s Strong Foundation to Create the Cliffs of Tomorrow
In business, where you have been is as important as where you are going—by building on existing strengths to lay the foundation for future success. Here are some of the highlights of our journey.
In 1847, a group of men from the Cleveland area pooled their money and their minds to create the Cleveland Iron Company. Their objective…to explore for minerals in the remote wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, just three years after iron ore was discovered near what is now Negaunee, Michigan, in 1844. The articles of agreement to form this new company were drawn up on November 9, 1847, and the first stock in the new venture was issued on November 27, 1847.
Reborn as Cleveland-Cliffs Inc in the mid-1980s, and Cliffs Natural Resources in 2008, the company has remained in the forefront of the North American iron ore business since opening its first mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1850, achieving longevity by successfully adapting its operations to major changes that drove many competitors out of business.
While the heart of its operations remains North America, Cliffs continues to consider opportunities for expansion globally that not only enhance existing strengths, but contribute ultimately to the profitability and overall health of the company. In our commitment to serve as a respectful citizen in our communities, we're explore alternative, sustainable methods of powering our business, as in our 70% interest in renewaFUEL, a biofuel cube company.
Today’s Cliffs is a company rich in tradition, with a dynamic future. Our journey is only just beginning.
