U.S. Steel has started up a new, non-grain oriented electrical steel line for electric vehicles at its Big River Steel mill in Arkansas.The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker, one of the Region’s largest employers, now can make more NGO electrical steel in the United States than any other domestic steelmaker.“The American manufacturing renaissance continues in Osceola today, thanks to the innovative minds and hard work of our employees,” said U. S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt.
“This investment will enable us to serve our customers as they address growing markets, like electric vehicles, with the knowledge that the steel they are receiving is not only sustainable, but also mined, melted and made in America.”The new line will make U.S. Steel’s InduX grade, which can turn electrical power into energy to drive cars. It’s made with 90% scrap steel at a mini mill that U.S. Steel said emits 70% to 80% fewer carbon emissions than traditional integrated steel mills like those in Northwest Indiana.
U.S. Steel’s new line in Arkansas can produce up to 200,000 tons of steel a year. It stretches 2,333 feet long, or nearly eight football fields.“Hundreds of our industry-best employees made today possible. Every day, their dedication to this community and to American manufacturing are building this country to be stronger and more sustainable than ever before.
This investment will allow our customers to purchase more steel made here in the USA and help them to meet their own sustainability goals,” said U.S. Steel executive Daniel Brown, the chief operating officer of Big River Steel Works.The steelmaker invested $450 million in the new line, which it started construction on a year ago.U.S. Steel is in the process of investing $3 billion in Big River Steel 2, which is the largest investment in Arkansas state history.