Steel Mills
AK Steel Opens Research and Innovation Center
Written by Sandy Williams
April 9, 2017
WEST CHESTER, OH–(Marketwired – Apr 7, 2017) – AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) celebrated the grand opening of its new world-class Research and Innovation Center in Middletown, Ohio. The event marked the formal opening of the new $36 million, 135,000 square foot facility, built on 16-acres near AK Steel’s Middletown Works and its West Chester, Ohio corporate headquarters.
“We are incredibly proud to open this state-of-the-art facility as part of our focus on driving leading edge products and processes as an innovator in carbon, stainless and electrical steels,” said Roger K. Newport, Chief Executive Officer of AK Steel. “This new Research and Innovation Center is an important part of our strategy to ensure we are well positioned to surpass the needs of our customers today and for the future.”
Mr. Newport added, “We appreciate the support of local, regional and state government officials to build and open this new facility in Middletown, Ohio. Built in the Cincinnati – Dayton growth corridor along Interstate 75, the Research and Innovation Center is conveniently located to serve our many customers and suppliers in the region.”
Increased Investment in Innovation
The new Research and Innovation Center further expands AK Steel’s capabilities to bring new steel products to the marketplace. These products include next-generation advanced high strength carbon and specialty steels to help automotive customers design lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles that maintain superior strength and safety performance; electrical steels that will enable the nation’s electricity grid to become more energy-efficient and improve performance in motors for hybrid and electric vehicles; and new stainless steels that offer superior corrosion resistance for a wide variety of applications. AK Steel is the only steelmaker in North America producing carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, along with carbon and stainless tubular products. AK Steel is proud of its commitment to support sustainability and innovation in carbon, electrical and stainless steel products, as steel remains the world’s most recycled material.
AK Steel expanded its innovation team over the last two years by 30%. The company also increased the number of research and innovation projects initiated each year, more than tripling the number of projects initiated in 2016 compared to 2014.
The Research and Innovation Center’s state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot steelmaking facilities include 17 prototype laboratories, 17 analytical laboratories and 22 collaborative spaces for employees, customers and suppliers. The new center also features several of AK Steel’s steel products throughout the facility.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills
Toyota Tsusho America to acquire Radius Recycling for $1.34 billion
The companies said Thursday that Radius shareholders will receive $30 per share in cash upon the deal’s closing, which is expected in the second half of this year.
Algoma resumes steel shipments to US, sees opportunity in tariffs
Algoma Steel has resumed shipments to the US, effective Friday, March 14. And the Canadian steelmaker sees a potential opportunity with the current tariff situation.
Algoma posts narrower Q4 loss, braces for tariff impact as US shipments pause
Algoma Steel's net loss narrowed in the fourth quarter vs. a year earlier amid economic uncertainty and tariff-related issues.
Evraz NA refutes report it falsified tests on plate for US military
Employees at Evraz North America, a subsidiary of Russia's Evraz plc, reportedly falsified quality control test results on armored plate for military vehicles. Evraz NA denies the claims.
Pacific Steel breaks ground on California rebar mill
Pacific Steel Group has broken ground on its Mojave Micro Mill in Southern California.