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For Immediate Release WEIRTON, W.VA. – Weirton Steel Corp. today reported it recently completed a $5 million upgrade of its hot mill. "The hot mill is vital to our entire operation. The project was completed on schedule with the majority of the work completed in seven days and final improvements requiring 10 days. The upgrade has enhanced product quality throughput and customer service – something we must have to compete," said Ed Scram, vice president–manufacturing. The improvements involved the repair and replacement of various mill components. Several of the major projects included refurbishing the reheat furnaces, discharge tables and reverser rougher motor. Among other improvements, new table roll sections were replaced and repairs were made to the delivery coil transfer car and conveyor. After the company produces molten steel, it forms the material in molds at the continuous caster to produce nine-inch thick steel slabs. The slabs are reheated within the hot mill’s furnaces and then sent between several rolls that reduce the slabs until they become about one-tenth of an inch thick. As the slab becomes thinner, it also becomes longer and must be coiled. The coiled product is known as a hot-rolled coil. Hot-rolled coils are further rolled to make them thinner, more pliable and stronger. Eventually they can become plated with a layer of tin or chrome at the tin mill, or coated with zinc to produce galvanized steel. Weirton Steel is the seventh largest U.S. integrated steel producer.
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