Dec 4 2007
ArcelorMittal is increasing output of quenched and tempered plate across its U.S. plate mills.
Quenching and tempering is a process to dramatically increase the strength and hardness of steel plate, making it the ideal material for protective skins on military vehicles, as well as many non-military applications. Military and commercial demand for this product remains strong globally.
“Armor is priority-rated by the U.S. government and therefore has reduced our ability to supply Q&T product to the commercial market,” said Shelby Pixley, chief executive officer of ArcelorMittal Plate USA. “In response to this, we are investing in our facilities to meet the high military and commercial demand for this product.
The investments in quenched and tempered capacity are being made at all of the company’s U.S. plate facilities — Coatesville and Conshohocken, Pa., and Burns Harbor and Gary, Ind. The investments are directed at updating equipment and material handling which will allow the company to increase output of high quality quench and tempered product by 50,000 tons. ArcelorMittal will complete these improvements in phases during 2008 without disruptions to existing operations.
ArcelorMittal US is committed to remaining the premier producer of the broadest line of quality plate products in the Western Hemisphere including quenched and tempered plate.