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
Nucor lowers 2024 output estimate for Brandenburg plate mill
Nucor has lowered the 2024 production estimate for its Brandenburg, Ky., plate mill due to soft market conditions.
SSAB adjusts output in weak Q3, readies for Q4 rebound
SSAB said lower plate prices in the US were the primary reason for reduced results in the second quarter. With a dismal Q3 outlook, the Swedish steelmaker is adjusting production across its facilities. That includes moving up its annual US mill outage in anticipation of a better Q4. SSAB Americas Revenues in the Americas segment […]
Topalian puts focus on “unfair” trade, eyes USMCA partners
Nucor’s top executive expressed concerns over unfair trade practices, highlighting increased steel imports from Mexico and Canada.
Cliffs sees close of Stelco buy, bottom to steel tags, and Mexico out of USMCA
Cleveland-Cliffs expects its acquisition of Canada’s Stelco to close later this year, which will help the the Cleveland-based steelmaker as a bottom to steel tags nears.
Nucor posts lower Q2 earnings, predicts tough Q3 too
Nucor recording lower second quarter earnings on falling steel prices. And the Charlotte, N.C.-based predicted that profits would be lower still in the third quarter, primarily because of weaker results from its steel mills divisions.