ThyssenKrupp AG to Start No.2 Cold Rolling Mill in Alabama in October 2011

Stainless steel division of ThyssenKrupp AG, German largest steel maker, starts operation of no.2 cold rolling mill in Alabama plant, USA in October 2011. The division started no.1 cold rolling mill 2 weeks ago. The division plans to finish construction of no.3 mill in 2013 and to raise cold rolling capacity to 350,000 tonnes per year. The division also plans to start operation of stainless melting shop with annual capacity of 1 million tonnes in late 2013 or earlier.

Mr. Clemens Iller, the division head, told a reporter of Japan Metal Bulletin in Tokyo on October 5. He explained foundation work has already finished for no.2 cold rolling mill and the mill is expected to start operation within a year. As to no.1 cold rolling mill, the division plans to raise the operation rate to full 120,000 tonnes per year until the end of September 2011. At the same time, the division constructs no.3 mill until 2013.

The division has suspended establishment of stainless melting shop due to financial crisis. Now the division considers to start the operation in 2013or 2014. After the construction, Alabama works will be able to supply hot coil to a cold rolling mill in Mexico with capacity at 150,000 tonnes per year.

The division plans to expand sales in European market after construction of stainless melting shop in Alabama works, even eyeing capacity expansion of cold rolling mills in Europe.