Over the past several years, customers and contacts
have strongly suggested that Steel Industries Inc. (SII) consider
developing an aluminum forging and seamless rolled ring capability. In
addition, SII needed additional steel heat treating capacity
to continue to grow its business.
SII had manufactured aluminum rings and forgings over the last
ten years but on a limited basis for several reasons. While
SII has three hydraulic presses and two Wagner ring mills, opportunities
were limited by the lack of a conveniently located heat-treating
source and the inability to expand or stretch rings.
This market information combined with customer feedback and
data from the Forging Industry Association convinced our owners,
the Ameriforge Group, to approve the expenditure necessary to
create a state-of-the-art aluminum capability at SII. This
nearly $13M project is now completed.
Land (5.7 acres) was purchased adjacent to the existing forge
shop in Redford, Michigan. The previous 65,000 square foot
building was demolished and was replaced with a new 62,000 square
foot structure. The necessary equipment was investigated
and engineering specifications were developed.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held June
28th and erection of the building commenced August 8th with
the occupancy permit approved December 1, 2006. Delivery
and installation of the equipment began in October. We
are now “Ready to Launch.”
