United Spiral Pipe LLC (USP), a joint venture of US Steel and Korea's POSCO and SeAH Steel Corporation, has formally opened its new large diameter DSAW pipe mill in Pittsburg, California.
At peak production, the $135 million facility will be capable of producing 300,000 net tons of API-specification line pipe per year in outside diameters ranging from 24 inches to 64 inches, wall thickness' from .250" to 1", and grades up to X80. Production will be geared primarily for the North American oil and gas industry. The mill will initially hire approximately 120 manufacturing employees, with room to expand.
"We`re proud to be a partner with POSCO and SeAH in bringing this impressive facility on line and creating manufacturing jobs that will benefit the community," said John P. Surma, chairman and CEO of US Steel, at the plant's groundbreaking ceremony held last week. "The capacity and location of this facility will favorably position United Spiral Pipe to be an active, competitive participant in the expanding market for large-diameter line pipe in North America."
The mill was built next to the USS-POSCO Industries plant, another JV between US Steel and POSCO.
US Steel and POSCO each own 35 percent of USP, with SeAH owning the remaining 30 percent. US Steel and POSCO will each provide 50 percent of the hot rolled coils for the factory's pipe production, while SeAH will supply its expertise in making spiral welded pipes.