U. S. Steel recently received the air permit it needs to begin the next phase of construction on the $475 million quench and tempering (Q&T) facility at its Fairfield Tubular Operations in Alabama. Q&T is a two-stage heat-treatment process that improves steel strength and durability to ensure products can withstand energy exploration and production and are less prone to cracking.
The project will add in-house capacity for heat-treated products and is part of a plan to modernize U. S. Steel’s Tubular Operations. Once completed, Tubular Operations will be better positioned to supply major oil- and gas-producing basins, and the campus also will include a warehouse, new training facility, a premium thread line that will increase pipe and tube threading capabilities and capacity, and upgraded changing areas for employees.
“U. S. Steel is committed to the future of manufacturing in Alabama and American steel production,” Scott Dorn, U. S. Steel Tubular Solutions senior vice president, said. “This investment increases product quality and reinforces our commitment to the employees and customers who depend on us every day.”
Construction began in July, and the facility is expected to reach full production in 2029.
The company is investing $75 million to add the new premium thread line.