http://www.metalcenternews.com RSS feeds for Metal Center News 60 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7313/Uncertainty-Marks-PMAs-July-Business-Conditions-Report.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7313 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7313&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7313/Uncertainty-Marks-PMAs-July-Business-Conditions-Report.aspx July 25, 2012 Uncertainty Marks PMA’s July Business Conditions Report Metalforming companies expect changes in business conditions during the next three months, according to the July report from the Precision Metalforming Association, Cleveland. The monthly report surveys 129 metalforming companies in the United States and Canada. The July report shows that 19 percent of participants anticipate economic activity will improve during the next three months, up from 11 percent predicting improvement in June. At the same time, 36 percent expect activity to decline, up from the 32 percent in June. Only 45 percent expect activity to remain unchanged, down from 57 percent last month. On the subject of incoming orders, 26 percent anticipate an increase over the next three months, an improvement from the 15 percent forecasting an increase in last month’s survey. Average daily shipping levels declined somewhat in July, with 26 percent of participants reporting shipping levels above levels of three months ago, down from 31 percent in June. The percentage of metalforming companies with a portion of their workforce on short time or layoff decreased to 12 percent in July, down from 14 percent in June. The July figure remains more positive than one year ago when 18 percent of metalformers reported workers on short time or layoff. “While there is a growing level of uncertainty among many in the metalforming industry, business conditions remain generally positive, with approximately 70 percent reporting that orders and shipments will be the same or higher for the period ahead,” says William E. Gaskin, PMA president. “Economic uncertainties in Europe, slower growth in Asia and political gridlock in the United States are not positive indicators. However, PMA’s member companies have experienced 11 percent growth in orders and 10 percent higher shipments for the first half of 2012.” Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7313 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7312/MSCI-Plans-Manufacturing-Summits-in-11-Cities.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7312 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7312&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7312/MSCI-Plans-Manufacturing-Summits-in-11-Cities.aspx July 25, 2012 MSCI Plans Manufacturing Summits in 11 Cities The Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill., will host 11 manufacturing summits in advance of the 2012 election. The events, “Closing the Divide Between Jobs, Policy and Growth,” will be co-hosted by the area chapters of MSCI, starting Aug. 8 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Milwaukee. MSCI says the events are an opportunity for national and local manufacturing leaders, policy experts, employees and candidates to discuss the most critical issues facing the manufacturing and metals sectors. “This is an extremely important election year,” says MSCI President and CEO Robert Weidner, III. “It is crucial that our members, their customers and communities have a chance to learn more about industry concerns and understand where their local candidates stand on those topics. There are real issues facing the manufacturing sector, our members’ lifeblood, which will result in real costs to both employers and employees.” The Milwaukee meeting will feature a panel discussion moderated by Weidner and including Ariens Co. President and CEO Dan Ariens; Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp. President William M. Hickey; Dalco Metals President William J. Ring; Nucor Executive Vice President Ladd R. Hall; and the former CEO of Bucyrus International, Tim Sullivan. The panel will discuss the business implications of tax policies and reforms, regulatory policies, health care, energy policies, trade issues and workforce development. Other summits are scheduled for: Aug. 13, Cincinnati; Aug. 28, Oak Brook, Ill.; Sept. 20, Kansas City; Oct. 1, Cleveland; Oct. 4, Philadelphia; Oct. 8, Charlotte, N.C.; Oct. 11, Pittsburgh; Oct. 15, Atlanta; Oct. 22, Buffalo/Rochester, N.Y.; Oct. 29, City of Industry, Calif. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7312 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7311/MSCI-Shipments-Flat-in-June.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7311 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7311&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7311/MSCI-Shipments-Flat-in-June.aspx July 25, 2012 MSCI: Shipments Flat in June June steel shipments declined in the U.S. and Canada from 2011 levels, according to the latest Metals Activity Report from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. U.S. aluminum shipments also were down compared to last year, though Canadian shipments saw a slight increase. Inventory-to-sales ratios were virtually unchanged for both metals in both countries. U.S. service centers shipped 3.5 million tons of steel products in June, a decrease of 1.9 percent from June 2011. For the year to date, shipments totaled 22.1 million tons, an increase of 5.9 percent from the same period in 2011. Steel product inventories totaled 9.0 million tons at the end of the month, an increase of 13.6 percent over a year ago but a decrease of 0.7 percent from May. At June shipping rates, this represented 2.6 months of supply, an increase of 15.9 percent from a year ago. U.S. service centers shipped 128,900 tons of aluminum products in June, down 4.0 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date aluminum shipments totaled 793,100 tons, an increase of 3.9 percent from the same month in 2011. Inventories of aluminum products totaled 376,900 tons at the end of June, an increase of 7.3 percent from the previous year, but down 2.3 percent from May. At June shipping rates, this represented 2.9 months of supply, an increase of 11.9 percent from a year ago. Canadian service centers shipped 531,200 tons of steel products in June, a decrease of 0.8 percent compared to June 2011. For the year to date, shipments totaled 3.3 million tons, an increase of 2.0 percent from the same period last year. Canadian steel inventories totaled 1.6 million tons at the end of June, an increase of 2.8 percent from last year, but down 2.6 percent from May. At June shipping rates, this represented 3.0 months supply, an increase of 3.6 percent from 2011. Canadian distributors shipped 13,500 tons of aluminum products in June, up 1.1 percent from the same month in 2011. Year-to-date shipments totaled 83,400 tons, an increase of 11.9 percent from last year. Inventories of aluminum products totaled 36,700 tons at the end of June, an increase of 14.6 percent from a year ago, and an increase of 1.6 percent from last month. At June shipping rates, this represented 2.7 months of supply, an increase of 13.4 percent from a year ago. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7311 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7310/Non-Cash-Charge-Turns-Profitable-Quarter-into-Loss-for-AK-Steel.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7310 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7310&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7310/Non-Cash-Charge-Turns-Profitable-Quarter-into-Loss-for-AK-Steel.aspx July 25, 2012 Non-Cash Charge Turns Profitable Quarter into Loss for AK Steel AK Steel, West Chester, Ohio, reported a net loss of $724.2 million during the company’s second quarter. The second-quarter results include the effects of a non-cash charge of $736.0 million. Excluding the effects of this charge, the company’s adjusted net income for the second quarter was $11.4 million. AK Steel reported a net loss of $11.8 million during the company’s first quarter. During last year’s second quarter, the steelmaker reported $33.1 million in net income. Net sales for the second quarter of 2012 totaled $1.54 billion on shipments of 1.4 million tons, compared to sales of $1.79 billion on shipments of 1.5 million tons for the year-ago second quarter. Sales and shipments were both up modestly compared to the first quarter. “During the second quarter, sluggish domestic and global economic conditions impacted shipment volumes and selling prices for our steel products,” said James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel. “Despite these market challenges, AK Steel recorded an improved operating profit and adjusted net income performance compared to the previous quarter.” AK Steel officials reported an average selling price for the second quarter of $1,152 per ton, a 1 percent increase over the first quarter of 2012, and about 3 percent lower than the second quarter of 2011. The higher average selling price for the second quarter was primarily due to a richer product mix and increased contract sales, partially offset by lower selling prices for spot-market sales. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7310 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7309/Profits-Off-During-Second-Quarter-for-Nucor.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7309 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7309&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7309/Profits-Off-During-Second-Quarter-for-Nucor.aspx July 25, 2012 Profits Off During Second Quarter for Nucor Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., reported net earnings of $112.3 million during the company’s second quarter, down 62.5 percent from the same period in 2011. The company’s earnings were off 22.6 percent from the first quarter. Nucor's net sales increased 1 percent to $5.10 billion in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the previous quarter, but decreased slightly compared with $5.11 billion in the second quarter of 2011. Average sales price per ton increased slightly from the previous quarter, but decreased 6 percent compared to second-quarter 2011. Shipments to outside customers totaled 5.9 million tons in the second quarter, a slight increase from the first quarter of 2012 and an increase of 6 percent over the second quarter of 2011. Total second-quarter steel mill shipments increased 7 percent compared to the same period last year, but declined 1 percent from the previous quarter. Second-quarter downstream steel product shipments to outside customers increased 10 percent over the second quarter of 2011 and 19 percent over the first quarter of 2012. For the first half, Nucor reported net earnings of $257.4 million, down from net earnings of $459.6 million in the first half of last year. Net sales increased 2 percent to $10.18 billion, compared with $9.94 billion in last year's first half. Total tons shipped to outside customers increased 2 percent over the first half of 2011, while the average sales price per ton was unchanged. Overall operating rates at Nucor’s steel mills fell from 79 percent in the first quarter to 76 percent in the second. Steel mill utilization increased from 75 percent in the first half of 2011 to 77 percent in the first half of 2012. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7309 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7308/Central-Steel-Wire-Expanding-Plate-Offerings.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7308 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7308&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7308/Central-Steel-Wire-Expanding-Plate-Offerings.aspx July 25, 2012 Central Steel & Wire Expanding Plate Offerings Chicago-based Central Steel & Wire Co. is expanding its inventory of 72-inch and wider A36 and ASTM A 572 Gr50 plate in the South region. This inventory will be stocked in Cincinnati and be available for next-day delivery in the Cincinnati marketing area that includes southern Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Sizes will start at 3/8th-inch thick with widths up to 96 inches. Material can be processed to meet specific size and shape requirements. “The market continues to grow for these products and Central Steel & Wire is growing with it. In today’s world of short lead-times and hazy forecasts, fabricators and manufacturers need a short supply chain with plenty of inventory ready for immediate delivery,” says Phil Kennedy, director of sales for the South region. Stock will be on the floor ready to ship in early August, the company reports. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7308 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7307/Steel-Technologies-Adds-Five-Lines-in-Mexico.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7307 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7307&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7307/Steel-Technologies-Adds-Five-Lines-in-Mexico.aspx July 25, 2012 Steel Technologies Adds Five Lines in Mexico Steel Technologies is ramping up its Mexican operations with five new production lines at two different sites. Four of the lines will be put in place at the company’s greenfield site in Pesqueria, NL, and a fifth at a greenfield site in Celya, GTO. The new lines include a 0.135-inch by 72-inch precision multiblanking line, two 0.187-inch by 72-inch high-speed slitting lines, a half-inch by 72-inch heavy gauge slitting line and a half-inch by 72-inch EPS acidless pickle line. All of the lines are produced by Red Bud Industries, Red Bud, Ill. The multi-blanking and high-speed slitting lines are capable of processing cold-rolled steel, galvanized, pre-painted and hot-rolled pickled and oiled material. The heavy gauge slitting line will process CRS and HRS material. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7307 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7306/Metals-USA-Reports-Profitable-Quarter.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7306 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7306&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7306/Metals-USA-Reports-Profitable-Quarter.aspx July 25, 2012 Metals USA Reports Profitable Quarter Metals USA Holdings Corp., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., reported net sales of $537.1 million during the company’s second quarter, a 6 percent improvement from the same period a year ago. Net sales were up 2 percent from the first quarter of 2012. The service center company reported net income of $19.0 million, a modest decline from the $21.5 million reported during last year’s second quarter. Net income did improve 17 percent compared to the first quarter. "We are very pleased to achieve yet another quarter of strong results. Despite a persistently weak pricing environment in the second quarter, Metals USA delivered sequential growth, generating more revenues and profit in Q2 than in the first quarter," said Lourenço Gonçalves, the company's chairman, president and CEO. Net sales for the first six months topped $1.06 billion, up 13 percent from net sales of $937.9 million for the first six months of 2011. Net income for the first six months of 2012 totaled $35.3 million, compared to net income of $33.9 million for the first six months of 2011. Metals USA’s metal shipments hit 413,660 tons for the second quarter of 2012, up 15 percent from shipments of 360,430 tons in the second quarter last year. Metal shipments for the first six months of this year totaled 816,452 tons, up 12 percent from the same period last year. Toll processed tonnage was 52,470 tons during the second quarter, an increase of 24.7 percent from the second quarter of 2011. The company toll processed 92,719 tons during the first six months of 2012, up 7.0 percent from the first six months of 2011. "Several steel mills have announced price increases at the outset of Q3, but end-users continue to be skeptical regarding the ultimate direction prices will go. We expect our customers' purchasing behavior to be similar to their Q2 behavior, and have positioned our inventory accordingly. Consequently, we expect a decrease in both working capital and net debt during the third quarter," Goncalves said. Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7306 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7129/Manufacturing-Sector-Contracts-in-June.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7129 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7129&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7129/Manufacturing-Sector-Contracts-in-June.aspx July 11, 2012 Manufacturing Sector Contracts in June Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in June for the first time since July 2009, as the PMI registered 49.7 percent, slightly below the 50 percent level that indicates growth. The overall economy grew for the 37th consecutive month, however, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business from the Institute for Supply Management, Tempe, Ariz. The PMI of 49.7 percent was a decline of 3.8 percentage points from May’s reading of 53.5 percent. Fabricated metals, primary metals and miscellaneous manufacturing were three of the seven industries reporting growth in June. Nine industries reported contraction. The past relationship between the PMI and the overall economy indicates that the average PMI for January through June of 53 percent corresponds to a 3.5 percent increase in real gross domestic product. If the PMI for June is annualized, it corresponds to a 2.4 percent increase in real GDP annually, ISM says. The New Orders Index dropped 12.3 percentage points in June, registering 47.8 percent, indicating contraction in new orders for the first time since April 2009. ISM's Production Index registered 51 percent in June. Though a decrease of 4.6 percentage points compared to May, it indicates growth for the 37th consecutive month. ISM's Employment Index registered 56.6 percent in June, slightly lower than the 56.9 percent reported in May, but the 33rd consecutive month of growth in employment. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:55:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7129 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7128/Transportation-Bill-Praised-by-USW-NAM.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7128 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7128&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7128/Transportation-Bill-Praised-by-USW-NAM.aspx July 11, 2012 Transportation Bill Praised by USW, NAM The United Steelworkers and National Association of Manufacturers expressed gratitude over passage of the much-needed federal transportation bill. The bill, which passed both houses of Congress with bipartisan support and was signed by President Obama July 6, allows for more than $100 billion to be spent on highway, mass transit and other transportation programs through 2014. "Rebuilding our transportation infrastructure means we are creating jobs, we are supporting manufacturing, and we are keeping pace with our global competitors,” says USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “Our nation needs investments in transportation and a modern infrastructure that keeps us globally competitive. With a 20 percent cost disadvantage to doing business in the United States, investment and updates to our nation’s transportation infrastructure are absolutely essential to manufacturers’ ability to compete and create jobs,” says NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. The new law also strengthens "Buy America" provisions by adding transparency for those seeking to waive the Buy America preferences. It also limits a long-time loophole to make sure that highway projects receiving federal funds can no longer be divided into smaller contracts to end-run the application of Buy America. This ensures the transportation projects are completed using American-made iron, steel and manufactured goods, the USW says. "'Buy America' laws like this are an investment in American companies, American workers, and the American economy," Gerard adds. Though pleased that a new transportation bill was finally passed, NAM expressed disappointment that it did not contain Keystone XL provisions. “We strongly urge President Obama to approve the pipeline as soon as possible,” Timmons says. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7128 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7127/Leavitt-Tube-Renamed-Maruichi-Leavitt-Pipe-Tube.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7127 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7127&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7127/Leavitt-Tube-Renamed-Maruichi-Leavitt-Pipe-Tube.aspx July 11, 2012 Leavitt Tube Renamed Maruichi Leavitt Pipe & Tube The Leavitt Tube Co. has been renamed Maruichi Leavitt Pipe & Tube, LLC. The change reflects the ownership position of the company, which is 60 percent owned by Maruichi Steel Tube Ltd. The remaining 40 percent of the company is owned by Sumitomo Corp. of America. Maruichi Leavitt Pipe & Tube will continue to be headquartered in Chicago. It will have its own distinct logo and identity, and will continue to produce mechanical tubing and steel hollow structural sections. The company also plans on producing A53 Grade B Tested Pipe and API 5L Specification Pipe after upgrades to its largest structural tube mill are completed in the first quarter of 2013. Leavitt Tube began producing mechanical steel tubing in 1956. The company now has some of the broadest size ranges of structural, mechanical and Hi-Y50 pipe-size tubing in the industry. It operates tubing mills in Chicago and Jackson, Miss. In 2008, Maruichi Steel Tube Ltd. of Japan acquired a majority interest in Leavitt. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7127 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7126/Alcoa-Reports-2-Million-Loss-in-Second-Quarter.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7126 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7126&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7126/Alcoa-Reports-2-Million-Loss-in-Second-Quarter.aspx July 11, 2012 Alcoa Reports $2 Million Loss in Second Quarter Aluminum giant Alcoa reported a loss from continuing operations of $2 million during the company’s second quarter. The loss was a big drop from the $94 million profit recorded during the first quarter or the $322 million in the second quarter of 2011. Second-quarter revenue for the New York-based producer was $6.0 billion, steady sequentially but down 9 percent compared with second-quarter 2011, primarily due to an 18 percent year-on-year decline in the realized metal price and a 17 percent decline in the alumina price. “Alcoa maintained revenue strength and solid liquidity by driving high profitability in our mid and downstream businesses and by reducing costs and improving performance in our upstream businesses,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, chairman and CEO at the company’s quarterly conference call with investors and analysts. “Although aluminum prices are down, the fundamentals of the aluminum market remain sound with strong demand and tight supply, and Alcoa is successfully capitalizing on accelerating demand in high-growth end markets such as aerospace and automotive.” Alcoa recorded revenue growth in the second quarter over the first quarter in several end markets, including packaging, up 5 percent; aerospace, up 4 percent; and commercial transportation, up 3 percent. Alcoa continues to project a global aluminum supply deficit in 2012 and reaffirmed its forecast that global aluminum demand would grow 7 percent in 2012, on top of the 10 percent growth seen in 2011. In its global rolled product segment, operating income was down 1 percent sequentially and 4 percent from second-quarter 2011. Compared to the previous quarter, higher volumes and productivity gains offset less favorable price/mix and increased costs. For the first half of 2012, Alcoa’s revenues totaled $12.0 billion, down 5 percent over the first half of 2011. Income from continuing operations in the first half totaled $92 million, down sharply from $635 million in the first half of 2011. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7126 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7125/Reliance-Subsidiary-Acquires-Australias-Airport-Metals.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7125 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7125&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7125/Reliance-Subsidiary-Acquires-Australias-Airport-Metals.aspx July 11, 2012 Reliance Subsidiary Acquires Australia’s Airport Metals Bralco Metals, a subsidiary of Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., Los Angeles, has acquired the assets of Australia’s Airport Metals. The Melbourne-based distributor of aircraft materials and supplies is a subsidiary of Samuel Son & Co., Ltd., Mississauga, Ont. “This strategic asset purchase will allow our existing Bralco Metals business to have a physical presence in the Australian market where they currently service aircraft and other key customers from our U.S. operations. This is our first entry into Australia, and we are excited to leverage the strong reputation that Airport Metals has built in this area,” says David H. Hannah, chairman and CEO of Reliance. The acquisition is the fourth in 2012 for North America’s largest service center company, following earlier deals that brought McKey Perforating, National Specialty Alloys and Worthington Steel’s Vonore, Tenn., processing facility into the Reliance fold. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7125 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7124/MISA-Acquires-100-Percent-of-RSDC.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7124 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7124&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7124/MISA-Acquires-100-Percent-of-RSDC.aspx July 11, 2012 MISA Acquires 100 Percent of RSDC Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc., New York, has reached an agreement with Louisville, Ky.-based Steel Technologies to acquire a 100 percent interest in RSDC of Michigan. The plant, located in Holt, Mich., was previously a 50-50 joint venture between the two companies. RSDC, which operates four configured blanking lines, one cut-to-length line and one slitter line, was established in 1997 as the primary supplier of blanking sheets to several General Motors plants. This transaction is the latest move by MISA to organize and streamline its subsidiary operations. MISA Metal Blanking Inc., which is also 100 percent owned by MISA, has had a plant in Howell, Mich., in the same region as RSDC. MMB has ceased operations at the Michigan plant and will move the blanking line to its Birmingham, Ala., location. With this move, the MMB Alabama plant will operate two blanking lines, say company officials, positioning MMB to support the future growth of automobile production in the southern U.S., as the industry continues its recovery from the recent economic downturn. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7124 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7123/Kloeckner-to-Build-Flat-Rolled-Facility-in-Alabama.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7123 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7123&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7123/Kloeckner-to-Build-Flat-Rolled-Facility-in-Alabama.aspx July 11, 2012 Kloeckner to Build Flat-Rolled Facility in Alabama Kloeckner Metals, North America’s fourth-largest service center company, plans to build a new light-gauge flat-rolled processing facility in the Southeast. The new operation will be located just off U.S. 43 on the campus of ThyssenKrupp’s flat-rolled mill in Calvert, Ala. The 100,000-square-foot facility will initially offer slitting, and will eventually expand its processes to include cut-to-length, blanking and multi-blanking. It is expected to employ 40. “The focus of this facility will be threefold: growth of our traditional value-added flat-rolled business, entry into the value-added automotive processing business and toll-processing for the mill,” says Russ Delaney, president of the Flat-Rolled Group for Kloeckner Metals. The newly constructed processing center can be expanded to over 400,000 square feet, if required. It will be the second Kloeckner Metals location in Alabama. Kloeckner currently operates a 78,000-square-foot general line service center in Bessemer, Ala., part of the company’s Heavy Carbon Group. “This expansion in flat-rolled processing capabilities represents a continuation of Kloeckner Metals’ commitment to our customers in the region, as well as our overall strategy to meet the growing demand for processed flat-rolled products in the Southeast,” says CEO Bill Partalis. The company expects the new facility to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2013. It is the first greenfield project started by Kloeckner, which was formed in 2011 through the combination of service center companies Macsteel and Namasco. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7123 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7122/Heidtman-Closing-Sparrows-Point-Operation.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=7122 http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=7122&PortalID=51&TabID=2524 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7122/Heidtman-Closing-Sparrows-Point-Operation.aspx July 11, 2012 Heidtman Closing Sparrows Point Operation Toledo, Ohio-based Heidtman Steel plans to close its Sparrows Point, Md., facility in response to declining demand for steel in the Northeast. The three-phase controlled shutdown begins July 13, with the last shipments expected to leave the facility Oct. 31. “The Northeast is no longer the manufacturing powerhouse and steel-consuming region it once was. Increasingly, we are seeing our Northeastern customers reposition themselves geographically. Our primary supplier has struggled to maintain profitable operations for some time and its future is uncertain,” says Tim Berra, Heidtman’s president. “Every link in the supply chain is interdependent and susceptible during an economic downturn; we are responding strategically to evolving market conditions.” Heidtman says it remains committed to providing steel and processing services to its customers along the Northeast corridor from its Cleveland, Ohio, facility. Employees of the plant have been offered positions at other Heidtman facilities. “While market conditions fluctuate, it’s imperative that Heidtman remains flexible. We’re fortunate to be in a position to pursue a dynamic growth strategy—to go where the business is going,” Berra says. Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:7122