SSAB breaks ground for heat treating facility in Alabama

SSAB on November 15 held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new heat treating facility for quenched and tempered steels. SSAB will invest nearly $300 million for the heat treating facility in order to expand its line operations in Alabama. The investment is part of the program announced in 2008 to further develop SSAB’s production base in the United States.

Located on the site of its existing steel mill in Mobile County, Alabama, the facility is a part of SSAB’s global strategy to maintain its position as a leader in the supply of high-strength steels.

The groundbreaking ceremony is the official start of construction for the new state-of-the-art heat treating facility, which will produce value-added steel plate used throughout the manufacturing and construction sectors. Additional improvements include a vacuum tank degasser and roll shifting technology. The investment is expected to add more than 100 high quality jobs.

“SSAB is focused on meeting our customers’ growing demand for quenched and tempered steels. With this new heat treating line, we are well-positioned for broad expansion particularly for niche steel grade products,” said Olof Faxander, president and CEO SSAB.

“Once this facility is fully operational, we will increase our quenched and tempered steel capacity by 200,000 metric tons. We are proud to have the opportunity to build this facility with the support of team members throughout SSAB and the community,” said David Britten, executive vice president and head of business area Americas.

Britten spoke during the ceremony on November 15, together with Linda Swann, director of the Alabama Development Office; Troy Wayman, VP of Alabama Economic Development; and Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County commissioner.

The new facility is expected to be brought into commission in the first half of 2012.

About SSAB
SSAB is a global leader in value added, high strength steel. SSAB offers products developed in close cooperation with its customers to reach a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world. SSAB employs 8,700 people in more than 45 countries around the world and operates production facilities in Sweden and the United States.

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