In a statement, Gerdau said Gerdau Midlothian Steel Processing is the only facility in North America producing stretched and stress relieved A722 bars. The bars offer improved stress relaxation properties for fasteners as well as post-tensioned and pre-stressed applications, Gerdau said. 

“GMSP is the newest and most technologically advanced heat treatment operation in North America. Its location next to our Midlothian mill will support efficiencies in our process and in the supply of world-class products to our customers,” said Bernardo Marzana, Gerdau Long Steel North America’s downstream director. 

The plant can produce a wide range of sizes in lengths of up to 65 feet long, offering quench-and-tempered, as well as stretched and stress-relieved products.