Algoma Steel Completed Upgrades to Sault Ste. Marie Plate Mill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Algoma Steel announced completion of its Sault Ste. Marie plate mill modernization project. The project, which commenced in 2019, had faced several delays. A grand opening ceremony to mark the opening of the fully upgraded plate mill was held Tuesday, which was attended among others by Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

The mill modernization project was carried out at an investment of approximately $135-million. The project is expected to boost the annual shipped plate capacity from 450,000 tons to around 650,000 tons.

ALSO READ:

How Algoma Steel De-Risked its Electric Arc Furnace Project

Algoma Steel Announced Blast Furnace Restart After Repairs

The upgrades were completed in two phases. The first phase, which recorded completion in 2022, focused on quality improvements. The second phase, which was completed in early-2024, involved steps aimed at enhancing productivity of the plate mill. The upgrades were executed under the leadership and supervision of Italian Danieli Group.

Originally, the cost of upgrades was estimated at around $120 million and was scheduled to be completed in late-2022. However, the technical difficulties encountered during the initial phase of the project led to escalated costs and further extension of deadline for completion of the project. Eventually, Danieli Group had to pay a penalty of $5 million on account of delays to the project.