London, June 08, 2017

Charter Steel to enter SBQ straight bar market with Primetals Technologies upgrade

• Complete mechatronic package supplied with electrics and automation
• Unique stepless-reform and coil transfer technology works with existing compactor
• Upgrade allows for rapid response to the varying demands of Charter Steel´s customers

Charter Steel has selected Primetals Technologies to supply the cooling bed, cold shear, abrasive saws, stackers, banders, bar bundling and banding machines necessary to support the steelmaker's new cut-to-length, Special Bar Quality (SBQ) line, part of a previously announced major expansion and upgrade for its steelmaking facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Charter Steel intends to leverage its advanced carbon and alloy steelmaking capabilities in Cleveland to introduce an engineered bar product to new and existing customers in sizes ranging from 19 to 83 mm (.75 to 3.25 inches) in diameter and bar lengths from 3.7 to 15.3 meters (12 to 50 feet). The upgrade allows for rapid response to the varying demands of Charter Steel´s customers. The new straight-bar and upgraded coil capability will be operational in the second half of 2018.

For the upgrading of the company's existing coiled rod and bar line in Cleveland, Primetals Technologies will supply new troughs, shears, water boxes and switches along with Primetals Technologies' unique stepless-reform and coil transfer technology for efficiency gains. The coil handling equipment will employ both vertical and horizontal pallet systems to improve coil package. The contract also includes a complete mechatronic package with electrics and automation for the new equipment.

Primetals Technologies has had a strong and successful working partnership with Charter Steel for many years and was selected to supply equipment that supported design criteria to enhance production flexibility, allowing Charter Steel to respond rapidly to the varying demands of its customers.

Charter Steel, a division of Charter Manufacturing Company, Inc., produces highly engineered steels for sophisticated applications utilizing aerospace, bearing, cold heading, free-machining, specialty spring and high carbon quality steels. It operates a steelmaking facility in Saukville, Wisconsin, USA in addition to the Cleveland, Ohio facility.

Straight bar on cooling bed. Primetals Technologies will supply upgrade equipment for Charter Steel Cleveland to enter SBQ straight bar market.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.