Herbert H. Uhlig Award for Prof Thomas Ladwein
Thomas L. Ladwein, chair for electrochemistry, corrosion and tribology at Aalen University of Applied Science, Germany, was the recipient of the prestigious “Herbert H. Uhlig Award” from NACE International. The award was given during the annual conference recently held in Houston, Texas to honor Professor Ladwein’s exemplary efforts in academic corrosion education. AIST Foundation pulls in USD 1 million in funding
The AIST Foundation board of trustees has raised over USD 1 million during the 2010–2011 academic year in support of its mission. The AIST Foundation is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit corporation created for charitable, education and scientific purposes. The foundation seeks to draw in technology-oriented professionals to the steel industry by educating the public about the high-tech, diverse and rewarding nature of careers in modern steelmaking. Cliffs Natural gets approval acquisition
The Minister of Industry has approved Cliffs Natural Resources proposed acquisition of Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Limited, under the Investment Canada Act. The acquisition was approved on the basis that the transaction will likely be a net benefit to Canada. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce's (MOFCOM) approval is also necessary to proceed with the closing of the acquisition Bombardier seeks Etihad Rail project
Dubai Trains and Bombardier are in active talks with Etihad Rail to supply trains for the proposed 1200km railway network project through its transport sector, Bombardier Transportation. Bombardier will make a bid for the tender in the project which is scheduled to be out soon. Pipe and valve company doubles in size
Collins Pipe & Supply of East Windsor, CT has doubled in size and now offers much more than just pipe, valves, and fittings. Collins has expanded its valve automation and process control operations, which led to acquisitions and expansions into other areas of the country including Buffalo and Syracuse, NY and Portland and Bangor, ME. 
General Electric will develop a 400MW thin film solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing plant in the US to produce the company's thin film technology. Several locations are under consideration for the facility which will be the largest US manufacturing plant of its kind. The company estimates that it will produce enough solar panels each year to power 80,000 homes. 
Wescast Industries Inc will further expand the capacity of its stainless steel facility in Stratford, Ontario to more than double its previous commitment. The additional capital investment coincides with a number of production orders recently received for engine components that use the innovative manufacturing technology employed at that facility. The investment will be financed via operating cash flows. 
The US ferromanganese market has dipped recently, due to weak demand. At the moment, the prices of high carbon ferromanganese have dropped to USD 1250 per long tonne to USD 1300 per long tonne from USD 1280 per long tonne to USD 1320 per long tonne. Capacity utilization rates at the US steel mills have remained at 85% to 90%, while the consumption of high carbon ferromanganese has been decreasing. 
ArcelorMittal Monlevade, the Brazil-based subsidiary of ArcelorMittal, intends to commission its new wire rod mill, ordered from SMS Meer, in the second quarter of 2012. The company's order for the single-strand high-performance wire rod mill with the option of expansion to two strands, was initially placed in 2008, but was later postponed as a result of the economic situation at that time. 
Latrobe Specialty Steel plans to purchase new equipment for its wire manufacturing business. Latrobe will use a Contingency Grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Development to fund the investment; the grant was given to the company for Latrobe's job creation plans at its Wauseon, Ohio plant.