Steel Products
Republic Steel to Re-open Lorain SBQ Mill
Written by Sandy Williams
January 26, 2019
Republic Steel plans to begin operations at its Lorain, Ohio, 9”-10” rolling mill during the second quarter. The special bar quality steel mill has been idled since 2016.
“Over 60 employees have been hired and completed training, and the mill has undergone a complete refurbishment,” the company said in a press release. “We have successfully run internal production trials, and now anticipate receiving sufficient orders to support moving to a production mode in the 2nd Quarter of this year.”
The mill was originally scheduled to re-open last year in anticipation of improved domestic market conditions, but was delayed twice as tariffs failed to slow down the SBQ imports.
{loadposition reserved_message}
“Republic had expected the 232 Steel Tariffs to create additional demand for domestic production, allowing production to begin in December 2018. However, imports remain at historically high levels for products produced on this mill,” the company said.
The 9”-10” rolling mill in Lorain has a capacity of 35,000 tons per month.
Headquartered in Canton, Ohio, Republic Steel has steelmaking capabilities in Canton and Lorain. The company also operates value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain, Massillon, and Solon, Ohio and in Lackawanna, N.Y. Republic employs approximately 850 people.

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.