Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced Thursday plans to expand its offering of value-added flat roll steel products through the addition of painting and Galvalume capabilities at its Columbus, Mississippi steel mill. The company plans to invest approximately $100 million and create 40 new jobs in order to add production capability of higher-margin pre-painted and Galvalume flat roll steel.
"This investment is a strategic step toward further diversification into higher-margin products for our Columbus Flat Roll Division," said Mark D. Millett, Chief Executive Officer. "The additional width capability and vacuum degassing equipment at the Columbus steel mill, enables
us to further diversify our pre-painted product offerings by physical aspect and geography. We already have two paint lines and the ability to produce Galvalume steel in Indiana. However, the Columbus investment will allow
us to produce double-wide steel, and sell into the southeastern markets, including Mexico. We plan to sell surface-critical, appliance-grade steel, as well as construction related products, including those used in heating and air conditioning units, residential entry doors, and lighting fixtures."
The most significant portion of the expansion will be the addition of a state-of-the-art continuous coil paint line with an annual coating capacity of 250,000 tons. Operations are expected to begin during the first quarter of 2017, based on an 18 month project timeline, which includes permitting requirements. The Columbus paint line will utilize an improved design similar to the company's existing two lines located in Indiana.