Steel Dynamics (SDI) has achieved a significant milestone. They cast their first aluminum ingots at their new Columbus, Mississippi plant. This occurred on January 12th. The facility, named Aluminum Dynamics, marks a major expansion for SDI. It signals their entry into flat-rolled aluminum production.
Production Goals and Recycled Aluminum Supply
Aluminum Dynamics aims to produce 650,000 metric tonnes (t)/yr of aluminum. Production will begin in June. Can sheet will account for 45pc of production. Automotive sheet will comprise 35pc. Common alloys will make up the remaining 20pc. The plant targets a 50pc utilization rate by the end of 2025. It will reach 75pc by 2026. The site needs 900,000t of recycled aluminum slabs. Onsite capacity will supply 70pc of this. Satellite recycling centers will provide the rest. These centers are located in Mexico and Arizona. The Mexico facility is set to start in the first quarter. The Arizona facility will begin later in 2025. SuperMetalPrice reports that this comprehensive recycling strategy is integral to SDI’s operations.
Recycling Shipments and Market Impact
SDI’s nonferrous recycling shipments saw a slight decrease. Shipments fell to 965mn lbs in 2024. This is down from 970mn lbs in 2023. The fourth quarter of 2024 saw 226mn lbs shipped. This is down from 234mn lbs a year earlier. The new aluminum plant will significantly impact the market. It will provide a major source of flat-rolled aluminum.
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