Severstal North America has advised Steel Market Update the 2nd Primary Strand, which includes the electric arc furnace, Ladle Metallurgy Furnace, Tunnel Furnace and Caster, produced their first tonnes, which is ahead of the company original schedule.

The new equipment will essentially double the hot rolled production capacity of the Severstal Columbus facility from 1.5 million to 3.0 million tonnes.

Besides the 2nd Primary Strand and all of the equipment referenced above, the Columbus facility has a Push Pull Pickle line and their 2nd Hot Dipped Galvanizing line under construction. This equipment is scheduled to be launched in September and October 2011.

(Sourced from www.steelmarketupdate.com)