AK Steel invests $8.5 million to build new tubing mill

AK Steel invests $8.5 million to build new tubing mill

AK Steel announced today that it will invest $8.5 million into its subsidiary, AK Tube LLC, towards the construction and outfitting of a new resistance-weld tubing mill. The mill will produce large diameter stainless steel tubing designed to meet new emissions requirements for diesel engines used in heavy trucks. The new emissions standards, outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are designed to lower particulate matter and hydrocarbon emissions from heavy duty diesel engines in large trucks. To meet the new standards, effective January 1, 2007, diesel engine manufacturers have specified large diameter stainless tubing for certiain exhaust system components. "AK Tube and AK Steel are already leaders in vehicle exhaust component steel technology,” said AK Steel president and CEO, James L. Wainscott. “This new capital investment further enhances our industry-leading technology by helping us meet new market requirements for heavy duty truck exhaust components.” Completion of the new tubing mill is slated for mid-2006. Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat rolled carbon, stainless, and electrical steels for the automotive, manufacturing, appliance, and construction markets. AK Tube, at its three Ohio locations, produces carbon, stainless steel, and resistance welded tubing products for the truck exhaust, automotive, hydroforming, air handling, and outdoor furniture markets.