Gerdau celebrated 50 years of special steel operations in the United States on Monday, May 13. Fifty years earlier, Gerdau cast its first special steel billet at its Jackson, Mich., facility, which today is a downstream operation with heat treating, turning, inspecting and cutting operations.

The strength in SBQ has outlasted the market for many steel products, but how long will it continue? (Photo courtesy Gerdau Special Steel NA)

After two tumultuous years in the metals space, 2022 approached the more traditional conditions of the past.

Gerdau Special Steel North America will invest an additional $40.4 million at its Monroe, Mich. special bar quality mill. This final phase of the project will include upgrades to the rolling mill, including a new bundler table, bundler area and the installation of a third saw.

Following a strong 2018, the market for special quality bar products took a nosedive this year.

Rodrigo Belloc has been appointed the president of Gerdau Special Steel North America, Jackson, Mich. He replaces Mark Marcucci, who is retiring from his position after 28 years with the company and 43 in the steel industry.

The market for special bar quality metal rebounded last year after underperforming the previous two years. Strong end markets and favorable market conditions carried those gains into 2018, and producers and distributors of SBQ products don’t see the bar lowering anytime soon.

Gerdau Special Steel North America is embarking on another major investment project at its Monroe, Mich., mill. The company will spend an estimated $70.3 million on a new electric arc furnace transformer, controls and mechanical upgrades in the EAF, and a twin ladle furnace and material handling system.

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