Steel Mills

ArcelorMittal Plans Upgrades at Burns Harbor

March 23, 2019

ArcelorMittal is investing in upgrades at its Burns Harbor facility to make the plant more competitive and provide “growth and long-term sustainability” for the next several decades.

The company is asking the Burns Harbor Town Council for a tax abatement to help offset the $163 million in improvements the company plans to make during the next three to four years.

Approximately $44 million would be designated for non-discretionary projects that would update or replace aging and end-of-life equipment at the facility. Plans include two new charge cranes in the steel shop, a new coke discharge machine, and a new BOF vessel.

The rest, $199 million, would be for projects that would improve well-performing assets, including increased coil capacity at the hot mill, new coil binders, upgraded coil storage, and the installation of an in-line temper mill, reported the Chesterton Tribune.

“This is quite a significant investment in this plant and provides for the longevity of the facility,” said Susan Zlajic, ArcelorMittal director of state tax and government relations.

ArcelorMittal is currently installing two new walking beam furnaces at the mill that will increase productivity by 40 percent. The Council awarded the company a 10-year $134 million abatement for the project in 2017 that will commence when installation is completed. ArcelorMittal anticipates both furnaces will be installed by the fourth quarter of 2020 and will ramp up to full production in early 2021.