US steelmaker Hybar is preparing to produce its first rebar in the next few days at its electric arc furnace mill in northeast Arkansas, as it works toward a June start-up target, chief executive David Stickler said.
Hybar broke ground on the 630,000 short ton/yr mill in August 2023 and remains on course to meet its initial goal for full furnace operations by in June. Stickler expects that the mill will eventually be able to beat its rated production capacity by 10-15pc.
The company received its first barge shipment of scrap earlier this month from SA Recycling in preparation for the start-up, Stickler said.
Hybar plans to increase its ferrous scrap purchases in the coming 30-60 days. The mill will eventually have a scrap purchase program of approximately 700,000 gross tons/yr, according to Stickler.
The program will include obsolete grades like #1 and #2 HMS as well as shred and plate and structural (P&S). The company will have greater flexibility on P&S sizing requirements because it is utilizing a top bucket charging system to feed the furnace. This will broaden its scrap supply base and help its suppliers reduce an extra processing step, Stickler said.
Hybar's scrap purchase program will include spot, index and long-term arrangements, as well as partnerships on demo projects and special one-off deals, according to Stickler.
The mill has dock access to the Mississippi River as well as rail and truck connections that allow it to purchase scrap from across the US.
Hybar completed its goal of securing 50pc of its capacity through long-term offtake agreements last year.
