London, October 30, 2018

Primetals Technologies to upgrade Texas steel mill

• Upgrades equipment and improves product packaging
• Enables mill to handle lengths up to 80 feet
• Early 2020 start-up expected

Vinton Steel LLC of Vinton, Texas, has signed a contract with Primetals Technologies for an upgrade of its bar mill. The upgrade will enable Vinton to reduce delays, increase productivity, improve bundle quality, and enable the mill to handle bar up to 80-foot lengths. Start-up is expected for early 2020.

The project consists of a complete bar handling arrangement from cold shear to product unloading, which includes a 660 short ton cold shear, cold shear run-out table, gauge beam, short bar handling system, bar counting equipment, bundle forming equipment, bundle tying and bundle storage. In addition, Primetals Technologies will supply an optical bar counter with positional layer separation, electrical equipment, automation and installation engineering.

Vinton Steel LLC is a 300,000 short tons per year mini-mill that uses EAF technology to produce various lengths of rebar in sizes from #4 to #18 for the construction industry. It also produces smooth rounds to manufacture grinding balls for the mining industry in sizes that vary from 1-1/2-inch to 4 inches in diameter. Founded in 1962, the company was acquired in December 2016 by Kyoei Steel Ltd. of Japan, who is a leading international group in mini-mills.

Cold shear and roller table for bar mill from Primetals Technologies

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.