Lehigh Heavy Forge Invests in ArcelorMittal Steelton
02/19/2014 - Lehigh Heavy Forge Corp., with its parent company WHEMCO Inc., announced a US$11.5 million investment into ArcelorMittal Steelton.
Lehigh is a world leader in the production of forged steel components.
ArcelorMittal Steelton, located in Steelton, Pa., operates a mini-mill operation which produces up to 300-ton vacuum poured ingots that are shipped to Lehigh in Bethlehem, Pa. Lehigh subsequently forms the ingots on its 10,000-ton open die press, creating a wide variety of products including ship shafts and pressure vessels for the defense market; pressure vessels for the commercial nuclear and petrochemical markets; generator shafts for the power generation business; forged steel rolls for the flat rolling market; and shafts and cylinders for capital goods, among other end uses.
“This announcement underscores our commitment to serving as the leading supplier of forged components to the power generation, commercial nuclear, and metals industries,” said Curly Novelli, CEO, Lehigh Heavy Forge. “We made a decision to invest in our number one supplier of ingots. ArcelorMittal Steelton is the only supplier capable of producing vacuum poured ingots of the size we require, up to 130 in. diameter and 300 tons, and they consistently provide us with quality product. Working together to schedule ingot production significantly shortens our lead time and allows us to pursue projects that have a quick turnaround.”
The US$11.5 million investment, the first of three planned investments by Lehigh at ArcelorMittal Steelton, includes a 260-foot expansion of the ingot facility, railroad track rerouting and utility relocation, along with associated engineering work. Phase one will allow Steelton to utilize existing steel capacity to increase its current vacuum pour capacity by approximately 25 percent. Phases two and three will include new equipment purchases and installations to better respond to the expected increase in market demand for vacuum poured ingots.
“This investment is a win-win for both Lehigh and ArcelorMittal. It will enhance our ability to safely and efficiently meet the needs of an important customer while utilizing our existing capacity and efficiencies,” said Steven Taylor, general manager, ArcelorMittal Steelton. “We are proud of the positive, long-standing relationship we have with Lehigh, providing quality steel products that support critical market segments, especially our military.”
Ray Napoli, president, United Steelworkers Local 1688, said: “The forward-thinking approach of this facility and of Lehigh Heavy Forging is a breath of fresh air. The generous investment from Lehigh offers significant benefit to the future of our plant, workforce and community.”
ArcelorMittal Steelton, located in Steelton, Pa., operates a mini-mill operation which produces up to 300-ton vacuum poured ingots that are shipped to Lehigh in Bethlehem, Pa. Lehigh subsequently forms the ingots on its 10,000-ton open die press, creating a wide variety of products including ship shafts and pressure vessels for the defense market; pressure vessels for the commercial nuclear and petrochemical markets; generator shafts for the power generation business; forged steel rolls for the flat rolling market; and shafts and cylinders for capital goods, among other end uses.
“This announcement underscores our commitment to serving as the leading supplier of forged components to the power generation, commercial nuclear, and metals industries,” said Curly Novelli, CEO, Lehigh Heavy Forge. “We made a decision to invest in our number one supplier of ingots. ArcelorMittal Steelton is the only supplier capable of producing vacuum poured ingots of the size we require, up to 130 in. diameter and 300 tons, and they consistently provide us with quality product. Working together to schedule ingot production significantly shortens our lead time and allows us to pursue projects that have a quick turnaround.”
The US$11.5 million investment, the first of three planned investments by Lehigh at ArcelorMittal Steelton, includes a 260-foot expansion of the ingot facility, railroad track rerouting and utility relocation, along with associated engineering work. Phase one will allow Steelton to utilize existing steel capacity to increase its current vacuum pour capacity by approximately 25 percent. Phases two and three will include new equipment purchases and installations to better respond to the expected increase in market demand for vacuum poured ingots.
“This investment is a win-win for both Lehigh and ArcelorMittal. It will enhance our ability to safely and efficiently meet the needs of an important customer while utilizing our existing capacity and efficiencies,” said Steven Taylor, general manager, ArcelorMittal Steelton. “We are proud of the positive, long-standing relationship we have with Lehigh, providing quality steel products that support critical market segments, especially our military.”
Ray Napoli, president, United Steelworkers Local 1688, said: “The forward-thinking approach of this facility and of Lehigh Heavy Forging is a breath of fresh air. The generous investment from Lehigh offers significant benefit to the future of our plant, workforce and community.”
