Nov. 21, 2006 — AK Steel has presented its 2006 "Supplier of the Year" awards to three companies for outstanding service, value and strategic support of the steelmaker's business plan.

James L. Wainscott, AK Steel's Chairman, President and CEO presented the awards during the company's third annual Key Supplier Meeting, held November 17 in West Chester, Ohio.

AK Steel's top 100 suppliers—based on the dollar value of the commodities and services provided—attended the meeting. The suppliers collectively represented over $2 billion in goods and services purchased annually by AK Steel.

Companies honored with AK Steel's Supplier of the Year awards were:

• Precision Strip Inc., Minster, Ohio (provider of steel processing)
• Johnson Controls, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis. (provider of security, HVAC, janitorial, printing and facilities management)
• Stein Inc., Broadview Heights, Ohio (provider of slag processing)

"Our award recipients went 'above and beyond' in their support of AK Steel during 2006," said Mr. Wainscott. "They not only delivered quality products and services to AK Steel, but also found innovative ways to provide significant cost savings to our company."

During his keynote address at the meeting, Mr. Wainscott emphasized the importance of the steelmaker and its suppliers working together for a winning future as AK Steel strives to achieve significant cost savings and sustained profitability.

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.