AK Steel inaugurates degasser and converted caster
Middletown-based AK Steel held a ceremony yesterday to celebrate the addition of a brand new vacuum degassing unit and converted caster at the company's Ashland Works facility. At the dedication ceremony, attended by Kentucky government officials and USW presidents among others, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher and AK president and CEO James Wainscott ceremoniously started the new degasser. “What a great day for AK Steel, and what a great day for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as we dedicate this major capital investment that is so vital to our company's future,” said Mr. Wainscott. This new machinery is part of a $120 million renovation at Ashland Works, including blast furnace refractory work and the rehabilitation of coke batteries. The degasser unit and converted caster will enable AK Steel to match customer demand for ultra-low carbon steel products and eliminate the company's need to purchase degassed steel slabs from outside sources.