Steel Mills

AK Steel to Modify Dearborn Works Line to Produce Next-Generation AHSS

June 2, 2015

AK Steel announced plans to introduce one of the first commercially available Next-Generation Advanced High Strength Steels. The new technology improves steel formability at higher tensile strength levels, perfect for customers seeking lightweighting for automotive manufacturing.

The Hot Dip Galvanizing Line (HDGL) at AK Steel’s Dearborn works will be modified to produce both coated and cold-rolled Next-Generation Advanced High Strength Steel on the same line. The $29 million project is expected to be completed by fall of 2016, with products being shipped to customers by early 2017.

“We are excited to take this major step forward to provide Next-Generation Advanced High Strength Steels that meet our customers’ needs,” said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel. “These new process and product technologies will enable us to introduce a family of steels that have improved formability, and give automakers greater flexibility and improved safety performance to lightweight their vehicles. By working closely with our customers, we are taking this strategic step forward to design and produce outstanding products to help them meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards,” Mr. Wainscott said.

Dearborn Works was selected for the configuration of its existing galvanizing line and state of the art technology. The modifications will enable AK Steel to install the new technology to produce coated and cold-rolled products at fraction of the cost of a new production line.

Earlier this year, AK Steel announced it will build at $36 million Research and Innovation Center in Middletown, Ohio. The new facility will enhance the company’s ability to bring new products, such as the Next-Generation Advanced High Strength steel to the marketplace.

(Source: AK Steel)