“Equipment is arriving daily, and we are still on schedule for September 2021 start-up,” said John Chatterton, vice president of engineering and technology. “Foundation work is scheduled to finish in mid-May, and that’s when we can start installing some of the exciting technology that will help power the mill.”

The facility, which will be operated by its Atlas Tube division, is said to be the world’s largest electric resistance welding mill, capable of producing squares from 8 inches to 22 inches. It also will be able to make rounds in outer diameters of up to 28 inches and rectangles up to 34 inches by 10 inches, with wall thicknesses of up to an inch.  

“The facility will feature cutting-edge engineering that will give it industry-leading capabilities, including new welding technology designed to handle the 1-inch-thick sections. Quick-change technology will give the mill the shortest cycle times in the industry, and the line will feed into a fully automated warehouse, cutting down delivery times and boosting efficiency,” the company said. 

The US$150 million project, which will utilize SMS group technology, was announced in 2019.