Jan. 12, 2006 — Quanex Corp.’s Board of Directors has approved a $6.2 million expansion at its MacSteel Heat Treat operation in Huntington, Ind.

The approved expansion centers on the addition of a fourth quench & temper line to the existing facility. The new line will utilize an induction heating system similar to the facility's existing three lines. The expansion project will also involve a building expansion as well as the addition of a new high speed, state-of-the-art precision cutting line.

MacSteel President Mark A. Marcucci noted, "MacSteel's Heat Treat business has grown significantly in recent years because of its commitment to meeting customer needs. This expansion project, scheduled for completion in early 2007, will add 16,000 tons of additional bar and tube capacity, increase the size range of our products, and expand our value-added services."

Headquartered in Jackson, Mich., MacSteel is part of Quanex Corp.’s Vehicular Products segment. MacSteel operates manufacturing facilities in Jackson and Monroe, Mich., and Fort Smith, Ark., as well as processing facilities in Huntington, Ind., and Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

Founded in 1927, Quanex Corp. is an industry leading manufacturer of value-added engineered materials and components for the Vehicular Products and Building Products markets. Quanex is based in Houston, Texas.