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February 17th  - Projects Paris France - Vallourec to set up seamless tube mill at Youngstown
World leader in premium tubular solutions Vallourec announced that it will build a new state of the art small diameter rolling mill at Youngstown in Ohio in USA. This decision is supported by the long term development of unconventional gas production in the US which is driving increased demand for small diameter OCTG tubes. The new mill, which will initially produce 350,000 tonnes per year, provides an annual nominal rolling capacity of 500,000 tonnes of seamless tubes. The project includes heat treatment and threading facilities. The investment will amount to USD 650 million, with operations expected to start by the fourth quarter 2011. The project will create around 350 new direct jobs. Mr Philippe Crouzet chairman of Vallourec’s Management Board stated “This is a strategic investment to support our customers in the development of America’s natural gas resources. We are excited about the opportunities that this new investment brings for the development of the Group. This project capitalizes on our long-term commitments to the US market, our local business partnerships, as well as the support of federal, state and municipal governments. Specifically, we benefit from the talent and skill of our workforce who have demonstrated their ability and commitment to delivering world class products and excellent customer service.” Vallourec release said “The exploitation of unconventional gas resources has revolutionized the US gas market and, thanks to new technologies lowering extraction costs, has become a sustainable source of gas supply. Shale gas production typically requires an increased number of wells, horizontal drilling and sand fracturing at high pressures. This implies higher volumes of small diameter alloy pipes, with an increasing proportion of premium connections.” For full release use this link.