The company also announced that their Standard Strength rail has been tested and qualified by the first of the seven North American Class I railroads that are potential customers. Shipments are expected to begin in the second quarter. Evaluations by other Class I railroads are underway and are expected to result in additional approvals in the near future.
"We believe the renewed emphasis on both freight and passenger rail transportation in North America provides a unique growth opportunity for Steel Dynamics," said Dick Teets, President and COO of SDI's Steel Operations. "We expect the investments we have made, our cost advantage, and our focus on delivering differentiated, quality products will allow SDI to grow quickly to become a major provider of rail to all of the North American railroad industry."