March 14, 2006 — AK Tube’s Columbus, Ind., plant has been approved for participation as a Star site in the Indiana Department of Labor's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

"Your designation as a VPP site is a testament to sustained excellence in all areas of your safety and health management system," said Miguel R. Rivera Sr., Indiana Commissioner of Labor.

The Columbus plant is the third AK Steel facility selected to participate in the VPP program. In 2001, AK Steel's Butler, Pa., Works became the first steel plant in the nation to receive the VPP Star. The company's Rockport, Ind., Works was awarded the VPP Star in 2002, and last week, received its re-certification award from the Indiana Department of Labor.

"Congratulations to AK Tube's Columbus employees on this outstanding safety achievement," said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel. "AK Steel has no higher priority than employee safety, and we are proud that Columbus employees are being recognized for their dedication to placing safety first each working day."

With facilities in Columbus, Ind., and Walbridge, Ohio, AK Tube LLC manufactures electric resistance welded (ERW) carbon and stainless steel tubing for a variety of applications, primarily in the automotive and truck exhaust markets. AK Tube is a subsidiary of AK Steel.

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.