Germany-based plantmaker SMS Siemag has announced that it will modernize the compact strip production (CSP) plant of the US-based steel producer Nucor Steel located in Berkeley, South Carolina.
The modernization scheduled to be completed in 2014 aims to increase the finished strip width from 1,680 to 1,880 mm, making Nucor Steel's CSP facility one of the world's widest CSP plants. It will also allow the production of thinner strips. To achieve an increase in strip width, SMS Siemag will enlarge the width of the first casting strand and of the rolling mill.
Additionally, with the installation of the new equipment, Nucor Steel will achieve further reduction in energy consumption at its CSP facilities. CSP technology is already characterized by much lower energy demand as compared to conventional hot rolling mills.