Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Fort Wayne) has begun commercial production of Standard Strength rails that meet all current AREMA specifications. The Structural & Rail Division at Columbia City, Indiana, produces this rail in lengths up to 240 feet and is capable of producing 300,000 tons of rail per year.

The company also announced that our Standard Strength rail, after extensive internal research, development and evaluation, has been tested and qualified by the first of the seven North American Class I railroads that are potential customers. Shipments are expected to begin in the second quarter. Evaluations by other Class I railroads are underway and are expected to result in additional approvals in the near future.

Dick Teets, President and COO of SDI’s Steel Operations, stated, “We believe the renewed emphasis on both freight and passenger rail transportation in North America provides a unique growth opportunity for Steel Dynamics. We expect the investments we have made, our cost advantage, and our focus on delivering differentiated, quality products will allow SDI to grow quickly to become a major provider of rail to all of the North American railroad industry.”
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