Steel Mills

U.S. Steel, Kobe to Expand PRO-TEC Galv Line

September 26, 2017

U.S. Steel and Kobe Steel announced plans to expand the galvanizing line at their joint venture PRO-TEC Coating Co. in Leipsic, Ohio.

Construction will begin in the fourth quarter on a new continuous galvanizing line in response to demand for advanced high-strength steels. The $400 million CGL will have a yearly capacity of 500,000 tons and is expected to begin production in 2019. The line, utilizing a proprietary process, will coat AHSS steel that automakers need to meet safety and fuel efficiency standards.

U.S. Steel’s cold-rolled Generation 3 steels provide superior formability and high-strength properties. while using a low-alloyed approach for robust weldability, the company claims. The new CGL line will allow PRO-TEC to produce these Generation 3 steels with a hot-dipped zinc coating. The steels are used by automakers in their existing stamping and assembly methods to produce safe, strong and cost-effective structural components for vehicle bodies.

“This line will be the first of its kind and utilizes proprietary technology capable of producing the high-quality, cutting-edge advanced high-strength steels that will meet our automotive customers’ needs and solve some of their most pressing challenges. Our Generation 3 steels continue to reinforce why steel remains the lowest cost, strongest, safest and most environmentally efficient material of choice,” said U.S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt.