Republic Steel Announces $85.2 Million Investment in Lorain, Ohio Facility

LORAIN, Ohio, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Steel, the nation's leading provider of special bar quality (SBQ) steel, today announced it will invest $85.2 million in an electric arc furnace and associated equipment at its steelmaking facility in Lorain, Ohio, to meet growing customer demand for the company's SBQ steel. The location was chosen for its proximity to customers and its skilled workforce.

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The announcement was made at the site by Republic Steel President and Chief Executive Officer Jaime Vigil, and is subject to finalization and ratification of a new labor agreement with the United Steelworkers. It is estimated that the project will bring 449 new jobs and more than $1 billion dollars in annual economic activity to Ohio. The existing 489 jobs at the Lorain facility will be retained.

"This investment in our Lorain plant will help Republic Steel maintain its position as the industry leader in SBQ manufacturing," Vigil said. "The additional capacity created by the new furnace will allow us more flexibility and efficiency in delivering the highly engineered products our customers require."

On hand for the announcement were Ohio Governor John Kasich and local dignitaries showing support for the project's role in bringing jobs and prosperity to Lorain and positioning the state of Ohio to be a leader in tomorrow's economy.

The new furnace is expected to increase the company's steel production by one million tons annually and will account for Lorain's first significant growth in steelmaking in the 21st century. It will also enable production of bloom cast for the production of SBQ bar and the production of seamless tube rounds.

Construction of the electric arc furnace is scheduled to begin in 2012 and be complete in mid 2013.

Republic Steel History

Established in 1886, Republic Steel is celebrating its 125th anniversary as the leader in SBQ manufacturing and providing continuous service to its customers. The company makes and sells more SBQ than any other company. Republic Steel was acquired in July 2005 by Industrias CH, S.A de C.V. (ICH), a rapidly growing steel producer and processor based in Mexico City. The company's strategic alliance with ICH helps strengthen its relationships with customers expanding in Mexico and South America. Since 2005, ICH has invested more than $600 million into Republic Steel to maintain the company's position as the forefront of the SBQ industry.

About Republic Steel

Republic Steel (formerly 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. Republic's products include hot-rolled steel bars, cold-finished steel bars, and bottom-poured ingots. With headquarters in Canton, Ohio, and steelmaking capabilities in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, the company operates value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain, and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ontario. Republic employs approximately 2,000 people.

SOURCE Republic Steel