ThyssenKrupp will push construction of a cost saving melt shop plant forward in an attempt to compete against rivals. Originally scheduled for 2014, production on the U.S. plant will now begin in 2013. The EUR 600 million melt shop will allow the company to melt scrap metals and negate the necessity of importing stainless products. It will also provide material for ThyssenKrupp’s USD 1.4 billion steel plant in Alabama, eliminating their current method of importing material from Germany, Italy and Mexico. The company will save 90% or EUR 100 million in shipping and handling costs paid to North America in addition to US import taxes and US anti dumping taxes. Production at the Alabama facility began last month with one cold rolling mill that produces 100,000tns annually.