Local news outlets in Maryland reported late Thursday that the United Steelworkers union has announced that RG Steel's Sparrows Point steel mill plans to idle its tin mill line, at least temporarily. According to the reports, the shutdown is a result of unfavorable market conditions.
Meanwhile, RG Steel issued a press release Friday indicating that it's Number two galvanizing line at Sparrows Point will restart in early April to further expand the plant's product offerings. The line produces heavier gauge coated products in thicknesses from .022 to .097 inches, with a maximum width of the line is 48 inches. The line last operated in July 2010 when it was idled by a previous owner.
Sparrows Point's Number four line will move some galvanized orders to the Number two line, allowing the Number four line to primarily run Galvalume.