Big River Begins Switching On Production Lines at New Mill
03/18/2016 - Big River Steel has commissioned its batch anneal furnaces and skin pass mill and has begun processing steel at its new mill in Arkansas, the company announced.
Big River is a U.S. start-up that is building a first-of-a-kind mill in Arkansas to serve North American specialty markets. A US$1.3 billion project, the so-called flex mill will combine the flexibility of a mini-mill with the higher-value product portfolio of an integrated facility, according to the company.
It expects to produce 1.6 million tons annually of niche and specialty steels.
The mill is a project of late steel industry innovator John Correnti, who died suddenly last year. The project, however, continues to move toward full commissioning.
“The successful start-up of two of our operating units less than 20 months after forming our company and breaking ground on our project is yet another significant accomplishment for Big River Steel and our employees,” said Big River chief executive Dave Stickler in a statement.
“Working closely with our technology partner, SMS Group, we look forward to producing a full complement of high-quality, value-added steels in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner.”
The company said it has begun hiring the 425 employees it will need to run the mill. The mill is the single largest private investment ever in Arkansas, the company said.
It expects to produce 1.6 million tons annually of niche and specialty steels.
The mill is a project of late steel industry innovator John Correnti, who died suddenly last year. The project, however, continues to move toward full commissioning.
“The successful start-up of two of our operating units less than 20 months after forming our company and breaking ground on our project is yet another significant accomplishment for Big River Steel and our employees,” said Big River chief executive Dave Stickler in a statement.
“Working closely with our technology partner, SMS Group, we look forward to producing a full complement of high-quality, value-added steels in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner.”
The company said it has begun hiring the 425 employees it will need to run the mill. The mill is the single largest private investment ever in Arkansas, the company said.
