Steel Mills

Deal with Koch Metallics Furthers BRS Growth Initiatives
Written by Tim Triplett
June 18, 2020
Big River Steel (BRS) expects to complete its capacity expansion by the end of this year more than two months ahead of expectations. The mill in Osceola, Ark., is in the process of doubling its annual steel production capacity from 1.65 million to 3.3 million tons.
BRS began operations at its $1.3 billion scrap metal recycling and flat-rolled steel production facility in 2017. It produces a wide-range of flat-rolled steels, including advanced automotive steels and electrical steels. Since operations began, BRS has provided steel to over 225 customers in the automotive, energy, construction and agricultural industries. Based on its early success, BRS began the $700 million expansion project in June 2019.
BRS also announced it will now acquire the metallics for its steelmaking operations under an exclusive agreement with Koch Metallics LLC. This new strategic partnership will allow BRS to leverage Koch’s networks, capabilities and services in support of the mill’s growth initiatives.
“Koch is a significant investor in Big River Steel, and I look forward to broadening our relationship as we jointly advance in the metallics space,” said Dave Stickler, BRS chief executive officer. “Entering into this agreement will accelerate several initiatives Big River Steel has underway that provide alternatives to the ways metallics and flat-rolled steel have historically been bought and sold.”
Koch is a global supplier of bulk materials with world class capabilities in vessel, barge, rail and truck transportation. These capabilities position BRS for improved earnings by providing scale and efficiency gains, thereby reducing raw material costs, the company said.
Martin Baker, BRS metallics procurement manager, will join the Koch team as metallics procurement and conversion manager.

Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest in Steel Mills

U.S. Steel sues Algoma over iron pellet shipments
U.S. Steel is suing Algoma over the Canadian flat-rolled producer's rejection of iron pellet shipments, arguing it has breached its contract.

August US mill shipments slip but still higher than last year
The American Iron and Steel Institute reported a decline in the monthly shipments of US mills from July to August.

TransPod, Algoma, Supreme Steel linkup anchors Canadian steel in high-speed transit build
The three Canadian companies have announced a strategic partnership to support the development of an ultra-high-speed transit line from Edmonton to Calgary.

Metallus, USW agree to tentative four-year labor deal
Metallus and the United Steelworkers (USW) have agreed to a tentative four-year labor contract.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco resumes cokemaking after emergency maintenance
The Canadian steelmaker reported on Sept. 30 that “urgent maintenance” was needed in its coke plant off-gas systems. The work required coke oven gas from the No. 2 coke plant to be flared for most of that week.