Siemens VAI Metals Technologies has received an order from Leggett & Platt, Inc., Mo., to supply a new coil handling system for its Sterling Steel LLC subsidiary’s wire rod mill.
The new, all-vertical coil handling system will enable the plant to accept larger billets for higher yields and greater productivity with less downtime. Siemens VAI will also replace the plant’s existing reform tub with a newer, simpler design that minimizes damage and integrates well with the new coil handling system.
As part of the upgrade, Siemens VAI will also extend the mill’s existing Stelmor system. Extension of the Stelmor system, which controls the cooling process, will provide Sterling more processing capability and the flexibility to run different grades of rod in the future.
This project follows a 2003 joint modernization project between Sterling Steel and Morgan Construction Co., a Siemens subsidiary. The order is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010.
Located in Sterling, Ill., Sterling Steel (the former Northwestern Steel & Wire) produces some 490,000 tons of wire rod per annum, with the majority of its rod going to Leggett’s six wire mills. The company has an integrated steel works with a 400-ton electric arc furnace, two ladle treatment stations, an eight-strand continuous billet caster, and a wire rod mill.
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany), a leading international supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies, comprises six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility und Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion.
The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009.