Jul 12 2006
Mittal Steel will break ground Thursday for a major expansion of its research and development laboratories in East Chicago, Ind.
"This multi-million dollar expansion will significantly enhance our Research & Development operations not only in the United States but all over the world, and will further improve our ability to provide advanced engineering solutions to meet the evolving needs of our most demanding customers," said Louis L. Schorsch, president and chief executive officer of Mittal Steel USA.
The research and development center in East Chicago is an integral part of Mittal Steel USA's material partnership with the most sophisticated manufacturers of cars, trucks, appliances and other products.
It also is headquarters for research and development at Mittal Steel Co. worldwide, with laboratories operating in France and the Czech Republic as well.
Gregory Ludkovsky, vice president of technology for Mittal Steel USA and chief technology officer for both the U.S. and global companies, hailed the new investment as additional resources for the company's ongoing efforts to help customers improve their products and control their costs.
State and local officials are among dignitaries expected to join Mittal executives from the United States and London headquarters at the 11 a.m. groundbreaking, along with customers, academics and union leaders.
Thursday begins Phase I of a planned $10 million expansion of the East Chicago research campus. Phase I will add 22,000 square feet to the laboratories of Building A. Construction is being accelerated, and occupancy is expected within a year of groundbreaking.
The $4.2 million first phase will accommodate equipment moved from Bethlehem, Pa., to consolidate the company's research activities after the acquisition of International Steel Group last year.
The campus also is adding talent -- engineers and technicians who transferred from Bethlehem and those being added in an aggressive recruitment process that is attracting top steel scientists from all over the world.
The second phase would add 20,000 square feet to Building B, just east of the construction that begins Thursday.
The building design features exterior panels of SLEEK AZ (R), an innovative architectural steel that originates from Mittal Steel USA's plant in Sparrows Point, Md.
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