U.S. Steel held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new $475 million Quench and Tempering (Q&T) facility coming to its Fairfield Tubular Operations.
The investment is expected to create nearly 250 permanent jobs, as well as approximately 600 construction jobs.
“This investment is about building capability, creating opportunity, and strengthening American manufacturing. The new Quench and Temper Line will allow us to produce more of the high-performance tubular products our customers need while creating good-paying jobs here in Fairfield. It positions this operation to compete and grow for decades to come and reinforces a simple truth: when we invest in American steelmaking, we’re investing in America’s future,” David Burritt, U. S. Steel President and Chief Executive Officer said.
Quench and tempering is a two-stage heat treatment process designed to improve steel strength and durability. The company said it uses the process to ensure its pipe products can withstand energy exploration and production challenges. The company said its Q&T line will be part of a modernized facility and will be part of a move to increase the company’s competitive advantage in the Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) market while expanding the company’s ability to produce high-performance, heat-treated tubular products in-house, improve product capabilities and support growing demand from domestic energy producers.
“We’re investing in technology, capabilities and people that will make U. S. Steel stronger, more competitive and better able to serve our customers for years to come,” said Scott Dorn, Senior Vice President, U. S. Steel Tubular Solutions. “That’s good for Fairfield. That’s good for Alabama. And that’s good for American manufacturing—building a stronger domestic supply chain to help meet America’s energy needs and support energy security around the world.”