In an announcement Thursday, Primetals said the modifications will allow the caster to produce beam blanks in a second, larger profile. The four-strand caster currently can make billets in two profiles, blooms in two profiles and beam blanks in a single profile.

“(The project) will allow Gerdau to roll larger finished products for applications in the building and construction industries,” Primetals said. 

Primetals said it will supply new molds, segments, dummy bar systems, the withdrawal unit and a secondary cooling system. It also will be in charge of the basic and detail engineering. 

Commissioning is scheduled for the end of this year.

Primetals originally built and installed the 18-year-old caster, which is capable of producing 692,000 metric tons annually.