Zekelman announces construction of largest continuous ERW tube mill

Chicago-based Zekelman Industries has announced the construction of what it says is the world's largest continuous ERW tube mill. The mill will be capable of producing hollow structural sections (HSS) from 8 in. sq. by 0.750-in. wall up to 22 in. sq. by 1-in. wall.

Atlas Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, will produce square, rectangular and round structural sections in the mill. The largest rectangular section will be 34- by 10- by 1-in. wall, and the largest round section will be 28-in. OD by 1-in. wall. According to the company, the new mill will produce products to meet or exceed ASTM A500, ASTM A1085, CSA G40 and ASTM A252. This will be the first time ERW sections above 16 in. sq. will be available domestically, the manufacturer reports.

The mill, supplied by SMS, will be engineered to allow for full changeover times of less than 60 min. Kusakabe will supply the milling cutoff, and Mair will supply the material handling and packaging line.

The total project investment is more than $150 million, and the production line is expected to create more than 75 new manufacturing jobs. Startup is scheduled for September 2021.