MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- CMC Steel Arizona has opened its state-of-the-art steel mill in east Mesa in the face of an economic recession that has severely depressed demand for the plant's output.
Officials of Irving, Texas-based Commercial Metals Co. -- the plant's parent company -- say the $155 million plant will turn scrap metal into concrete-reinforcing bar for use primarily in commercial buildings, roads and other infrastructure projects.
Called a micromill, it is smaller than most steel-making plants and uses one uninterrupted process to melt, cast and roll the steel. The technology saves energy and is more environmentally friendly than conventional steel-making techniques.
CMC will employ about 140 people when it's at full capacity plus another 40 at an adjacent fabricating plant where the rebar is custom assembled for specific projects.