DEARBORN, Mich. January 9, 2012 – Today, Severstal North America, one of the largest U.S.-based steelproducers specializing in the full range of the high quality, light, flat-rolled products, announced its new Hot Dip Galvanizing Line (HDGL) located in Dearborn, Mich., has begun production of galvanized products.

“This is an exciting time for Severstal North America. The long-awaited launch of this new state-of-the-art facility strengthens our presence in the automotive industry with highly demanded galvanized and galvanneal products for internal and external parts of automobiles,” said Sergei Kuznetsov, Chief Executive Officer, Severstal North America.

The new HDGL includes state-of-the-art controls for coating thickness and surface texture, as well as alloy and phase control. The $285 million HDGL project completion follows the August start-up of Severstal Dearborn’s Pickle Line Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM).

The line is capable of producing 500,000 tons of best-in-class exposed hot-dipped galvanized (HDGI) and exposed hot-dipped galvanneal (HDGA) steel.  These capabilities are used to manufacture the most demanding steel products, including highly formable interstitial-free steels for customers in the exposed automotive, appliance, and furniture industries, as well as precision automotive products, including high-strength and advanced high strength steels in the quality requirements of auto manufacturers.

The process equipment for the new line was supplied by CMI Metallurgy. JNE Consultants provided the facility engineering, while Barton Malow Company provided the construction services, overseeing the project installation.

The HDGL and PLTCM facilities are part of modernization program Severstal is undertaking to expand its finishing capabilities to produce a wide range of high quality steel products.