Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI selected Sinton, Texas, as the site for its state-of-the-art, electric-arc-furnace (EAF) flat-roll steel mill. The planned facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of approximately 3 million tons, with the capability to produce the latest generation of advanced high-strength steel grades. The project will include value-added finishing lines, including a galvanizing line with an annual capacity of 550,000 tons. SDI, which will invest approximately $1.9 billion in the project, expects to begin construction in early 2020. The company expects to create approximately 600 well-paying jobs.

SDI has already placed an order with Germany’s SMS group for the supply of a complete steel production line. SMS group will supply two direct-current electric-arc furnaces (DC-EAF) having a capacity of 190 tons each, two twin-ladle furnaces and a double vacuum tank degasser. The line, which is scheduled to be commissioned in mid-2021, will enable SDI to produce thin slabs with thicknesses of up to 5.2 inches (130 mm) and slab widths of up to 84 inches (2,134 mm). SMS group will also supply electrical and automation systems as well as technical support during installation and commissioning.

SDI intends to sell the products in the rapidly expanding markets of high-strength steel tubes, multiphase steels for vehicle construction and structural steels for various applications. The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based steelmaker will become a market leader for the production of hot strip.

Sinton is located approximately 30 miles northwest of the port of Corpus Christi and is strategically located within the targeted Southwest U.S. and Mexico market regions.