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Steel Dynamics, Mississippi Officials Mark Start of Plant Expansion

“This expansion is a vital part of our future, and we are grateful to Governor Phil Bryant, the Mississippi Development Authority and Lowndes County, and (Tennessee Valley Authority) for assisting us with this recent investment,” said Madhu Ranade, general manager of the flat rolled group’s Columbus division.

“As we move forward into the next generation of painted steel, Steel Dynamics is committed to state-of-the-art product and process advancements that will enhance value to our customers, our business, and our ability to contribute to the local economy.”

SDI is investing approximately US$100 million in the project, which will allow it to make additional value-added steel products at the Columbus plant. The company said the paint line is the project’s most significant aspect, giving the plant an annual coating capacity of 250,000 tons.

SDI acquired the Columbus plant from Severstal North America in September 2014. The mini-mill makes  hot rolled, cold rolled and coated steel sheet products, and is equipped with pickle lines, an annealing line, a temper mill, and two hot-dipped galvanizing lines.

The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.