Republic to Invest in Precision Sizing Mill For New York Operation

FAIRLAWN, Ohio (April 24, 2008) -- Republic Engineered Products, North America’s largest producer of special bar quality (SBQ) steel, today announced it will invest approximately $20 million in a precision sizing mill and related equipment for its Lackawanna steel rolling facility, located in Blasdell, N.Y.

The company has signed an agreement with the Friedrich Kocks company of Germany for the supply of a 370++ RSB/5 precision sizing mill.

The state-of-the-art equipment will enable Republic to produce round and hex-shaped bars and coils with even closer tolerances for the near-net forging and cold-forming industries. Republic provides steel for domestic and international automotive, capital equipment, forging, and fastener industries.

The project is scheduled to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2009.

“We’re pleased to make this investment in our Lackawanna facility,” said Jaime Vigil, Republic’s president and chief executive officer. “This plant – thanks to the skilled workforce there – has been an excellent performer for several decades. The new equipment will be an important component in ensuring that Republic maintains its position as North America’s leading producer of special bar quality steel.”

Republic’s Lackawanna plant has more than 300 United Steelworkers and salaried employees.

Republic Engineered Products, Inc. is North America’s leading supplier of special bar quality (SBQ) steel, a highly engineered product used in axles, drive trains, suspensions and other critical components of automobiles, off-highway vehicles and industrial equipment. With headquarters in Fairlawn, Ohio, the company operates steelmaking centers in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, and value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ontario. Republic employs approximately 2,500 people.

Published on 2008-04-24

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