Supply Chain

• Cargill names trading manager Apr 12, 2013

  Trading house Cargill Inc. has appointed Gerald Tan international ferrous trading manager for its metals supply chain business.

• China’s automobile sales surge 50.2% during March Apr 12, 2013

  Both sales and production in the Chinese automobile sector jumped in March, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said April 12.

• US manufacturers said hurt by Keystone XL project delay Apr 11, 2013

  The delay in approving TransCanada Corp.’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline has significantly hurt manufacturers tied to the industry, the senior executive of a valve maker testified during a hearing on a proposed law that would expedite approval of the controversial project.

• Pegasus oil spill could affect pipeline projects: testimony Apr 11, 2013

  The recent oil spill from ExxonMobil Pipeline Co.’s Pegasus pipeline in Arkansas could affect the public’s view of pipeline safety, experts say.

• Steel eyeing Obama budget warily Apr 11, 2013

  The White House’s recently unveiled budget was met with skepticism by steel interests, who say the plan's proposed infrastructure spending and tax increases are likely to be a mixed bag for the industry.

• Steel traders push for more port dredging Apr 11, 2013

  The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS), pushing for Congress to pass the Water Resources Development Act, is focused on a provision that would require the government to spend all of the funds collected through the Harbor Maintenance Tax for their intended purpose: dredging and maintaining ports.

• Waterways Council backs river bills Apr 11, 2013

  Two bills aimed at keeping navigation along the Mississippi River and related waterways during droughts and severe weather conditions have been endorsed by the Waterways Council, which represents major shippers, as well as terminal operators and ship owners.

• Southwest Steel Coil set to expand in NM Apr 11, 2013

  Southwest Steel Coil Inc. is expanding its plant by more than 45 percent as it awaits its second major new piece of equipment this year.

• No clear signals on trade groups’ standing on immigration reform Apr 11, 2013

  As the House and Senate mull proposals for immigration reform, some trade groups have evinced general support for reform while others are holding back as they wait to see what emerges.

• United Steelworkers union supports immigration reform Apr 11, 2013

  The United Steelworkers union supports immigration reform and believes that a sensible change in policy would benefit the metals industry and the broader economy, a USW official said.

• JP Energy to build Kansas Express Pipeline Apr 11, 2013

  JP Energy Development, an affiliate of Irving, Texas-based JP Energy Partners LP, will build its proposed Kansas Express Pipeline after receiving sufficient interest from potential shippers.

• Great Lakes iron ore trade falls 11.3 percent in March Apr 10, 2013

  Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 1.9 million tons in March, down 11.3 percent year on year, according to data from the Lake Carriers’ Association.

• Metals USA shareholders OK Reliance buy Apr 10, 2013

  Stockholders of Metals USA Holdings Corp. overwhelmingly approved the adoption of a merger agreement with Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. during a special meeting April 10.

• Oneok Partners completes natural gas liquids pipeline Apr 10, 2013

  Oneok Partners LP has completed its Bakken natural gas liquids (NGLs) pipeline.

• ILA members OK new ports contract Apr 10, 2013

  Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) have "overwhelmingly" approved a new master contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), the alliance said April 10. The contract covers some 14,500 workers at East and Gulf coast ports.

• Worthington unit acquires tank maker Apr 10, 2013

  Worthington Industries Inc.’s pressure cylinder unit has acquired Palmer Manufacturing & Tank Inc. for $113.5 million.

• MesoCoat completes Ohio clad pipe site Apr 10, 2013

  MesoCoat Inc. expects its pipe coating facility in Euclid, Ohio, to be fully operational by the end of the month, a company spokesman told AMM via e-mail.

• 5,000 barrels estimated spilled in ExxonMobil leak Apr 10, 2013

  About 5,000 barrels of oil are now estimated to have been spilled as a result of the ExxonMobil Corp. pipeline leak in Arkansas, according to the latest joint estimate from the company and local, state and federal officials.

• Mexico’s Pemex inks $460M gas pipeline deal with Mitsui Apr 10, 2013

  Mexico’s state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos SA de CV (Pemex) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Mitsui & Co. Ltd. to construct a natural gas pipeline in the United States.

• Ford supplier Adrian Steel expanding to Mo. Apr 09, 2013

  Adrian Steel, a Michigan manufacturer of commercial van and truck equipment, is expanding to Kansas City, Mo., to supply parts to Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker Ford Motor Co.

• Iron, steel trade deficit rises in Feb. as copper moves to surplus Apr 09, 2013

  The U.S. trade deficit for iron and steel mill products grew 11.5 percent month on month in February to $657 million, as exports slipped and imports rose 4.2 percent, according to the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis data.

• CarTech pushes up launch of Ala. operation Apr 09, 2013

  Carpenter Technology Corp. expects to start up its premium alloy facility in Limestone County, Ala., three months ahead of schedule.

• Mexican auto output, sales, exports down in March Apr 09, 2013

  Mexico’s automotive production fell 11.2 percent year on year in March to 238,519 vehicles, according to the country’s automotive association, Amia.

• Paranapanema starts phase tests at tube plant Apr 09, 2013

  Brazilian copper producer Paranapanema SA has started phase tests at its new São Paulo tube plant, which is expected to double the company’s tube capacity to 36,000 tonnes per year once it starts up in June.