Steel Products
Ladle Spill Causes Fire at AK Steel Middletown
Written by Sandy Williams
January 20, 2018
AK Steel has confirmed that a ladle used in the steelmaking process at the company’s Middletown Works malfunctioned around 8 a.m. this (Saturday) morning, releasing liquid steel into the facility. The spill caused a fire that drew crews from four area fire departments who worked for over two hours to contain the blaze.
A spokesperson for AK Steel said all employees are accounted for and none suffered any injuries from the incident. Cleanup efforts are under way. “We are looking into the cause of the situation and have no further information at this time,” the company said.
Heavy smoke was reported coming from an AK Steel structure in the 3400 block of Lefferson Road in Middletown, Ohio, around 8:30 a.m. The fire was under control around 11 a.m. One firefighter with the Middletown Fire Department suffered minor injuries, according to local press reports.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products
US rig count slips, Canada ticks higher
ncreases through September, according to the latest Baker Hughes rig count data.
CRU: EC to toughen steel safeguards
The European Commission proposes cutting its steel import quota by almost half, with volumes exceeding the limit facing 50% duties. The region’s steel industry welcomes the move, while other steel-producing nations fear the consequences. CRU published an insight before this announcement, noting that more restrictive trade policy could significantly raise the cost of marginal supply […]
US and Canadian rig counts stabilize
US counts continue to hover just above historic lows, while Canadian figures remain comparatively healthy.
Plate market sources critique mill hikes amid current market conditions
Following spot market plate price increase notices issued by domestic mills this past week, participants are contemplating the rationale behind the increases and whether they will stick. Some sources anticipate that current market conditions will shift in November and believe the increases may set a new "pricing floor."
Oregon Steel Mills lifts plate prices by $60/ton
Oregon Steel Mills has joined other producers in announcing a price increase of at least $60 per short ton on steel plate.