Commercial Metals Company has announced that its CMC Cometals Division is constructing a state of the art alloy hardeners plant nearby its Cayce in South Carolina steel mini mill, establishing itself as the sole US manufacturer of certain products. This facility will become part of CMC Cometals Division and will operate under the name CMC Cometals South Carolina.

Mr Ryan H Campbell VC in CMC Cometals Division said that "This investment will elevate our service to customers in the steel and aluminium industries, reflecting CMC's long term commitment to these industries. The plant will commence production in December 2009, manufacturing briquettes comprised of manganese aluminium, chrome aluminium, iron aluminium and pure iron, with the capacity to supply various products to other markets. This plant is scalable and has the capacity and efficiency required to supply customers' with the quality they require."

He added that "We will continue to rely on our key suppliers around the globe for raw materials including manganese, chrome, and other related materials required to produce these briquettes. While the majority of CMC Cometals South Carolina's production will be consumed in North America, we intend to fully support and grow our international relationships."

Mr Eli Skornicki president of CMC Cometals Division said that "This Greenfield operation is a perfect fit with our long term strategic plans to produce value added niche products servicing the steel and aluminium industries."