ArcelorMittal is moving forward with approximately $138 million in capital funding for three investments within its U.S. Flat Carbon operations, including it Indiana Harbor and Burns Harbor facilities.
At Indiana Harbor, the funds will allow the facility to upgrade its 84” Hot Strip Mill coiling capability, which will expand its product size range and improve quality. The upgrade will allow the facility to meet demand in the energy linepipe and heavy-gauge, water transmission pipe market by offering a complete range of sizes and grades. The project will also expand product capabilities to include ultra high-strength, hot rolled steels in a greater size range to serve the heavy equipment markets, including construction and agriculture. The coiler upgrade includes the installation of a state-of-the-art sampling station.
At Burns Harbor, a 160” Plate Mill will add a new, high-capacity leveler as part of the company’s overall plate heat-treating strategy, which aims to provide customers with the broadest range of high-quality, heat-treated products at increased productivity and lower costs. The leveler will be sized for high-strength quenched and tempered products in a broad spectrum of gage, width, length and yield strengths which will allow participation in long-term growth markets such as mining and nuclear. ArcelorMittal has developed a holistic approach to this heat treat facility to improve flatness, surface and presentation quality of its products. Customers will also see improved delivery performance from quality and process flow enhancements at the Burns Harbor plate mill.
“These projects will improve the competitive position of ArcelorMittal USA by improving product quality and growing our leadership position in key markets,” said Michael G. Rippey, president and CEO, ArcelorMittal USA. “This marks a significant investment in our USA operations, further exemplifying our commitment to the revitalization of American manufacturing and production of safe, sustainable steel.”
“Capital investment in equipment and technology is crucial to the long-term viability of the company and the job security of its workers. I praise the joint United Steelworkers (USW) and management efforts that led to these facilities securing the capital investments, which will improve future prospects not only for members of the USW, but for all stakeholders who have an interest in the success of ArcelorMittal,” said Leo W. Gerard, United Steelworkers, International President.
“I am pleased to see ArcelorMittal make this major investment in its Northwest Indiana facilities, demonstrating its commitment to the continued vitality of steelmaking in the region. These projects will provide greater job security to local steelworkers and solidify steel’s position at the heart of our local economy for years to come,” said U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky.