ThyssenKrupp Steel USA joined the American Iron and Steel Institute nearly two months after officially opening its steelmaking operations in Calvert, Ala., AISI said Feb. 7.
The company became a member during AISI's quarterly meeting on Feb. 3, AISI said.
AISI comprises 24 member companies that account for more than 80% of U.S. and North American steel capacity, the organization says. The association also represents 140 affiliate members that are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.
The organization serves as a voice for North American steel policy issues, particularly those concerning trade issues with China and environmental regulations.
In a statement, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA President and CEO Christoph Lackinger said the company looks forward to "adding our voice to AISI's efforts to strengthen the North American steel industry as a leader in the global marketplace."
Germany-based ThyssenKrupp officially began operations its steelmaking plant Dec. 10 ThyssenKrupp Steel USA and processing plant ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA in Calvert about 40 miles north of Mobile.
ThyssenKrupp has invested $5 billion in the overall complex, including $3.6 billion for the carbon flat steel facilities and $1.4 billion for the stainless area. The Calvert plant will eventually employ 2,700 permanent workers.
When fully operational, ThyssenKrupp USA will have the annual capacity to produce 4.7 million tons of carbon steel coiled product.
The company selected the Calvert location for its direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, which will be used to ship starting materials from Brazil. The region also provides proximity to customers in the industrial centers of the southern United States, Mexico and Canada.
