AK Steel will increase the base price of its Type 409 hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel sheet and strip products by approximately 5%, effective with shipments on and after September 27, 2004.

The base price for .035-inch and thicker, 26-inch and wider, will increase by 4.25 cents per pound, and the base price on other gauges and widths will increase by 5 cents per pound.

The price increase is in response to higher demand for products as well as increases in manufacturing, energy and transportation costs. All applicable surcharges remain in effect.

The company advises that the revised price schedule for Type 409 stainless steel products will be available on the company's website as well as from AK Steel's sales representatives.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.