Kentucky Electric Steel (KES), a value-added manufacturer of special-bar-quality steel bar products and a wholly owned subsidiary of Optima Specialty Steel, completed a $6 million project to enhance its rolling-mill capabilities. As a result of the upgrades, the company is now capable of producing high-quality round bars with diameters up to 3.8 inches at its facility in Ashland, Ky. Enhancements included integrating new mill DC drives and advanced controls, guides and rolls into the facility's existing infrastructure. KES also added a ProScan Profile Measurement System. The various upgrades have allowed KES to increase the mill's overall productivity.