Arcelor Mittal has announced that it plans to upgrade the continuous heat treating line at its Burns Harbor facility “to further improv(e) its position as the recognized market leader in cold-rolled advanced high-strength steel (AHSS).”

“Arcelor Mittal is providing customers with additional volume of AHSS by initiating a major upgrade to the company’s existing continuous heat treating line located in Burns Harbor,” according to a statement released today. “The upgrade at the Burns Harbor line, combined with the company’s No. 3 CAL line at Indiana Harbor, will increase Arcelor Mittal’s U.S. production capacity of AHSS (including dual-phase and martensitic) to almost 1 million tons per year. These lines will produce a full portfolio of cold-rolled AHSS to meet growing demand for the company’s sophisticated automotive OEM applications.”

“We are excited about this significant investment and believe that it solidifies our position in this strategically important market,” said Mittal Steel USA President and CEO Michael Ripley. “Adding capacity to support customer demand for AHSS further reinforces our commitment as the leading steel supplier to the North American auto manufacturers.”

Mittal Steel USA is currently the largest North American supplier of AHSS and ultra-high strength steels (UHSS) through its No. 3 CAL line at its Indiana Harbor facility, the statement said. “The more than 20 years of experience gained from running this line, along with technological expertise provided through the company’s global R&D resources, will ensure that the upgraded line will have state-of-the-art production capabilities and unparalleled operational experience.”

Posted 5/22/2007