Global pipe maker TMK IPSCO and Cleveland-based Ferrous Metal Processing have partnered on the installation of a new 0.625-inch by 87-inch slitting line at the producer’s Wilder, Ky., facility. The slitter, which the companies claim will be the largest in North America, will start commercial production in fall 2012.

The slitting line will be installed in a new 43,000-square-foot building that will be leased by TMK IPSCO to FMP and will provide skelp to the two Wilder ERW pipe mills. The slitter will be capable of processing master coils from 30 inches to 87 inches wide and up to 82,000 pounds. Slit width capacity will range from 12 to 85 inches in gauges from 0.156 to 0.625 inch.

FMP will own and operate the new facility and slit for TMK IPSCO on a toll basis. The companies have entered into a 12-year contract in which FMP will provide 100 percent of TMK IPSCO’s slitting needs at the Wilder plant.

TMK IPSCO has made a number of capital improvements, including a new thread shop, at the Wilder plant to improve operational efficiency and add value for its oil and gas industry customers, the company says. The new agreement will allow TMK IPSCO to take advantage of FMP’s proprietary slitter arbor technology.

“We’ve worked with FMP for years at a number of our facilities,” says TMK IPSCO President and CEO Vicki Avril. “They have unique arbor technology that allows them to produce a very consistent, high-quality slit edge that is ideal for ERW pipe production. We’re excited about having their technology on site in Wilder.”