According to U. S. Steel, the blast furnace reline, hot strip mill and direct reduced iron (DRI) plant are but three of more than 25 capital projects being planned across the U. S. Steel fleet. The projects, along with scores of operational synergy initiatives, are expected to drive US$3 billion in incremental earnings before earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. 

“We are well on our way to building a stronger, more competitive company that benefits our employees, customers and the communities we serve,” said Takahiro Mori, Nippon Steel’s representative director and U. S. Steel board chair. 

“It is impressive to see how our two great companies have already created increased value and growth. By uniting Nippon Steel’s world leading technologies with U. S. Steel’s iconic American operations, we are forging a stronger, more competitive platform for the future.”

Nippon Steel has dispatched 48 of its professionals to U. S. Steel sites to help identify and prioritize and initiatives and to share know-how. 

“What stands out about Nippon Steel’s involvement is their genuine commitment to our people and our plants. They’re on the ground, side by side with our teams, sharing ideas and best practices that are already making U. S. Steel stronger for the future,” said Scott Buckiso, U. S. Steel’s chief manufacturing officer. 

In acquiring U. S. Steel earlier this year, Nippon Steel promised to inject US$14 billion into the business, with US$11 billion of that to be committed by 2028. 

“Even just a few months into our partnership with Nippon Steel, we’re making great progress,” said U. S. Steel chief executive officer Dave Burritt.

“We have a robust pipeline of growth projects, ranging from the modernization of our Gary Works hot strip mill to the new slag recycler at Mon Valley Works and the development of new product capabilities. These initiatives are already delivering real results. With world-class technology, extraordinary engineering capabilities, and the best steel industry employees in the world, we are on a great path to forging the future of steelmaking in America.”