Media tours melt shop in Outokumpu Stainless USA

CALVERT, Ala. (WALA) - Outokumpu Stainless USA, formerly ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA, opened its doors to the media Thursday, January 24.

This marked the first time members of the media got to tour to one of the world's most advanced melt shop, which came online in December 2012. The sale of the steel mill was also completed in December.

"We've merged with one of our competitors out of Finland, Outokumpu. So officially January 1, we've changed names. It's still the same growth pattern and plan to grow here in the U.S.," said VP of Human Resources Dave Schied.

The Calvert, Alabama, steel mill was formerly owned by ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA.

The melt shop is the heart and soul Outokumpu's stainless steel operations. Officials said it's one of the biggest, fully-integrated stainless steel companies in the world. They said it works like a recycling center.

“We use about 70 percent scrap in every melt that is then recycled into new product, and that is sent back out into the market place for a next life cycle,” said CEO of Outokumpu Stainless USA, Mick Wallis.

The process starts with scrap material, then raw material is added. From there, it’s melted down, and the converting process begins, he said.

"And then we move it onto a caster where we actually, a continuous caster, where we actually cast out in slabs,” Scheid said.

The facility will make stainless steel for a variety of sectors including the auto and aviation industries. The company plans on making Mobile a world-class steel producing city.

“I think also you look at the Mobile area with a premier stainless operation that we do have here. It will put Mobile on the map for the stainless industry,” Scheid said.

He said the company believes it will bring a huge economic impact for years to come.

“In the area, the general area around Mobile, we probably add about a half a million dollars a day to the economy, whether it's wages or payments to suppliers,” said Seitovirta.

When fully staffed, the company said it will hire just fewer than 1,000 employees. Officials said 51 percent of their team members are hired from Mobile County and 18 percent from Baldwin County.

There is still time left to apply for a job with the company. A job fair is set to take place Friday, January 25, at the Birmingham Career Center from 10 a.m. to 4  p.m. in Birmingham.