OREANDA-NEWS. JFE Steel Corporation announced today that California Steel Industries, Inc. (CSI) began operation of its No. 2 electric-resistance-welded (ERW) steel pipe mill on CSI's site near Fontana, California. CSI will leverage the new facility to satisfy growing demand for high-end steel pipes from energy-related industries. JFE Steel holds a 50% stake in CSI.

The addition of the new mill will more than double the company's annual ERW steel pipe production capacity from the current 250,000 short tons (st) to 650,000 st. The new facility will expand the largest outer diameter possible from the current 16 inches to 24, as well as enabling increased wall thicknesses and improved yields. The mill, which began producing pipe in August, is slated to begin commercial production in October.

CSI held an opening ceremony for the No.2 ERW steel pipe mill on September 26, which also marked the company's 30th anniversary. There were 280 people in attendance, including US Representative Gloria Negrete McLeod, Consul-General Hidehisa Horinouchi of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, and JFE Steel Senior Vice President Hiromu Oka.

Growing global demand for energy is urging developers to explore more sources, including natural gas and petroleum buried in diverse regions and environments. JFE Steel and CSI continue to contribute to the development of energy resources worldwide through the supply of superior quality steel pipes.