Nippon Steel Corp. and ArcelorMittal have agreed to defer further work on the new continuous galvanizing line currently under construction at I/N Kote. The decision was based on the downturn of the North American automotive market. I/N Kote, a joint venture of Nippon Steel and ArcelorMittal based in New Carlisle, Ind., manufactures hot-dip galvanized and electrogalavanized steel sheets primarily for automotive use. The facility has a 500,000-tons/year galvanizing line and a 450,000-tons/year electrogalvanizing line. The continuous galvanizing line – when completed – will double the plant’s production capacity of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets.

Nippon Steel and ArcelorMittal see the North American automotive steel sheet market as one of the most important markets for mid- and long-term growth. The partners plan to resume construction on the line once the automotive market improves. I/N Kote was established in September 1989.