SDI puts expansion plans into action

SMS Meer, a division of machinery designer and manufacturer SMS Demag, had announced its contract with Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) for the supply and installation of a new walking-beam furnace at SDI's Columbia City, Indiana mini-mill. The new furnace will be used to reheat long products for a new medium-section mill under construction in Columbia City. The 200 /net ton-per-hour chamber, used to process beam blanks and blooms and to heat billets, is part of SDI's $200 million project to expand its production of structural and rail products. Startup is scheduled for late 2007. It has also been reported that SDI has signed a contract with steel equipment manufacturer Fata Hunter Inc. for the purchase of a new coating line which will produce galvanized and cold rolled strip at SDI's Jeffersonville, Indiana, facility. Startup is expected for summer 2007.