AK Steel announced plans to introduce one of the first commercially available next-generation advanced high-strength steels (AHSS).  The new technology produces improved formability at higher ultimate tensile strength levels, which provides automotive customers greater opportunities for lightweighting. The $29 million project includes modifying the current hot-dip galvanizing line (HDGL) at AK Steel’s Dearborn Works, using new process technology to produce both coated and cold-rolled AHSS on the same line. Modification of the HDGL is expected to be completed by the fall of 2016, with new products being shipped to customers by early 2017.