AK Steel has reached agreement for the supply of all anticipated coke purchases through the end of 2009.

The supply agreement, with Shenango Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., extends and modifies an existing contract that was set to expire at the end of 2005. The new agreement provides for fixed coke prices, subject to provisions for metallurgical coal price fluctuations.

“We are pleased to have completed on equitable terms this long-term raw material contract,” said James L. Wainscott, President and CEO of AK Steel. “This agreement provides for continuity of supply to AK Steel, and recognition of fluctuating coal input costs for Shenango. These provisions mirror a number of the agreements we have established in steel pricing to account for rapidly escalating raw material costs,” he said.

AK Steel internally produces more than 75% of its total annual coke requirements and purchases the balance from outside sources. The company is continuing to negotiate other long-term raw material supply agreements as a key aspect of its goal to achieve sustained profitability. AK Steel has said it also seeks to complete new contract customer agreements and progressive new labor agreements as the other key components of its return to sustained profitability.

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