SDI’s Aluminum Dynamics Moves Closer to Reaching Production Capacity
07/22/2026 - Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) has begun commissioning the last of three cold mills serving its new aluminum business, unshackling the operation’s ability to achieve nameplate capacity.
Speaking during SDI’s second-quarter earnings call, chief executive officer Mark Millett said the cold mill was activated this month. With the unit now on-line, the ramp to Aluminum Dynamics’ 650,000 metric tons of capacity is clear, he said.
In addition, the first of two automotive-focused continuous annealing and solution heat treat (CASH) lines is running, Millett said, with several automotive manufacturers already having issued product qualifications for 5182 and 5754 products. Trials for 6000 series products are underway.
“I think you would agree it's an absolutely phenomenal achievement when you consider the mill has only been running for a little around 12 months,” Millett said. “The team is incredibly excited with the earlier-than-anticipated product certifications, is a testament to the incredible talent we have been able to embed in the team and the technical capabilities of the mill. There's great energy and great momentum.”
Commissioning of the second CASH line is to begin in the fourth quarter.
In addition, the first of two automotive-focused continuous annealing and solution heat treat (CASH) lines is running, Millett said, with several automotive manufacturers already having issued product qualifications for 5182 and 5754 products. Trials for 6000 series products are underway.
“I think you would agree it's an absolutely phenomenal achievement when you consider the mill has only been running for a little around 12 months,” Millett said. “The team is incredibly excited with the earlier-than-anticipated product certifications, is a testament to the incredible talent we have been able to embed in the team and the technical capabilities of the mill. There's great energy and great momentum.”
Commissioning of the second CASH line is to begin in the fourth quarter.
