In a statement Monday, Fives said the contract for the US$140 million line, to be installed at SDI’s Columbus, Miss., sheet mill, provides for its design, equipment procurement and commissioning. 

Designated as the No. 3 line, it is being designed to process 400,000 tons annually, producing unexposed automotive and other specialized grades. SDI announced plans for the line last year. 

“SDI’s target is to increase value-added product capacity, diversify product portfolio and increase profitability by investing in new projects and advanced technologies, and we look forward to again working with Fives,” said Madhu Ranade, vice president and general manager of SDI Columbus. 

Fives’ scope of supply includes design of the entry and exit sections, a degreasing section, a horizontal annealing furnace, hot-dip galvanizing and cooling equipment, a skinpass mill and strip leveler. The company also will oversee construction and commissioning. 

The new line is to come on-line in the middle of 2020.

Fives said the agreement builds on a relationship that began last August, when it won a contract to upgrade the Columbus mill’s No. 2 galvanizing line. 

“We are proud to work with SDI to contribute to the success of their entrepreneurial-oriented business,” said Guillaume Mehlman, president of Fives' steel division.