US Steel resumes construction of its electric arc furnace at Fairfield

US Steel in Pittsburgh has announced the resumption of construction work on a state of the art electric arc furnace (EAF) at its steel mill in Fairfield, Alabama. The company resumed construction on EAF in March 2015, but suspended work by December 2015 due to unfavorable market conditions. Very favorable market conditions due to Trump's import tariffs forced the company to make a crucial decision to resume construction.

According to a company press release, US Steel plans to invest approximately $ 215 million. This investment will add about 150 new full-time employees. Upon completion of construction, the plant's capacity will be 1.6 million tons per year. Construction work at EAF is expected to begin immediately, with first production expected in the second half of 2020.

David B. Burritt, President and CEO, noted that the investment is an important step in improving the company's cost structure. Moreover, it will provide long-term prospects for the company's pipe business. The company will continue to make further efforts to maintain its leading position as a supplier of value-added pipe solutions for its customers.

Meanwhile, Berritt also said the president’s decisive trade action had led to a significant improvement in market conditions. He also thanked Alabama and the Jefferson County Commission for their support.

Last week, US Steel announced its decision to restart its No. 1 electrowelded pipe plant at Lone Star in Lone Star, Texas.