Speaking during a recent investors’ conference in Sweden, Schmitt told analysts and investors that the line so far has run about 1,000 tons of plate and 1,000 tons of coil. 

Schmitt said the project will provide for roughly 30,000 tons of additional annual capacity in premium products, considering that it will enable faster line speeds. He also said the project will lead to reduced alloy use, saving on costs.  

The cooling line, along with other improvements, could lift the mill’s overall capacity by more than 130,000 tons over the next two years.  SSAB Americas is aiming to grow its share of premium steel products to 39% by 2022.