Steel Market Update just received the following press release from Severstal North America announcing its new Columbus line is running.

DEARBORN, Mich. December 2, 2011 – Severstal North America announced that the new Push Pull Pickle Line (PPPL) is up and running at its site in Columbus, Miss. The new line has a designed annual capacity of approximately 700,000 net tons of pickled and oiled product. Capable of pickling .059” to .500” by 36” to 74” product, the PPPL will allow for an additional expansion within Severstal’s end-user markets with new, heavier gauge products.

“The new line provided our company with added pickled and oiled volume, enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility, and an expanded product mix,” commented Wilbur Winland, Vice President and General Manager, Severstal Columbus.

The $550 million Phase II expansion project at the Columbus plant, planned to be completed by the end of the year, will increase annual steel production to 3.4 million net tons and double the plant’s galvanizing capacity.

Source: Severstal North America