Chicago, Illinois-based distributor Ryerson, Inc. announced Monday that it will open a plate processing center in Eldridge, Iowa that is expected to begin operations in July 2011. The processing capabilities for the 175,000-square-foot facility include will laser cutting, plasma and oxy-fuel burning, robotic beveling, plate blasting, machining and press brake bending.
"This new facility is a platform for serving our customers' growing demand for the processed carbon plate market in the Midwest. The expanded capabilities combined with the strategic location and logistical access to suppliers and customers, will allow us to remain a leading source to serve our customers," said Michael Burbach, President of Ryerson Midwest.
Matthias Heilmann, Executive Vice President and CEO of Ryerson Inc. added that "the expanded capabilities in Iowa along with our existing coast-to-coast plate processing operations further solidify Ryerson as the leading plate processor in North America. We have made significant investments in plate operations including our recent acquisitions in Texas and Alabama. Over the past two years we have invested in plate processing capabilities across our network of more than 30 plate operations and the Iowa project exemplifies our strategic goal of further growing our value-add capabilities."