In a statement, Primetals Technologies said Vinton Steel LLC is ordering a bar handling package that includes a 660-ton cold shear, a runout table, gauge beam, a short-bar handling system, and bundle forming and tying equipment.

The package also includes an optical bar counter with positional layer separation. 

“The upgrade will enable Vinton to reduce delays, increase productivity, improve bundle quality, and enable the mill to handle bar in up to 80-foot lengths,” Primetals Technologies said. 

Vinton Steel is a subsidiary of Japan’s Kyoei Steel Ltd. Kyoei acquired the Vinton, Texas, facility from an investment firm in late 2016. 

Vinton Steel produces No. 4 to No. 18 rebar and grinding balls for the mining industry.