Snyder celebrates grand opening of Severstal facility in Dearborn

Governor Rick Snyder today led a delegation of state and local officials to Dearborn to celebrate the grand opening of the Severstal North America steel making facility in the former Rouge Steel plant.

LANSING – Governor Rick Snyder today led a delegation of state and local officials to Dearborn to celebrate the grand opening of the Severstal North America steel making facility in the former Rouge Steel plant. The $1.3 billion renovated facility is expected to retain approximately 2,000 jobs for Michigan workers. 

“This investment is a win for Michigan because it builds on our automotive heritage and it’s a win for Severstal because it places the company in the world's automotive epicenter, with a skilled workforce and know-how that are unmatched anywhere in the U.S.,” Governor Rick Snyder said. “We welcome this facility and congratulate Severstal for the tremendous improvements and expansion they have already made here.” 

The Russian-based Severstal Group acquired the assets of the former Rouge Steel from bankruptcy for $345 million and formed Severstal NA in 2004. Since then, the company has invested $1.3 billion in upgrading the facility and dramatically improving its quality. The upgrades include a new blast furnace, hot dip galvanizing line, pickle line tandem cold rolling mill, and significant upgrades at the basic oxygen furnace, caster and hot strip mill. 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation supported Severstal’s investments in 2005 with a Retention MEGA valued at up to $49 million over 20 years, Brownfield credits valued at $51.25 million, training grants, and city of Dearborn local tax abatements. 

MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney said Severstal’s decision to locate in Dearborn demonstrates Michigan’s strong advantages as a great place to do business. 

“Severstal’s commitment sends a message around the world that Michigan’s highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities mean real opportunities for leading edge companies,” Finney said. “I applaud the efforts of everyone who helped secure this expansion and the jobs it is retaining in Michigan.” 

OAO Severstal CEO Alexey Mordashov said the company had a long-term vision for the plant from the first day it acquired the Rouge assets eight years ago. 

“We saw opportunities to succeed by creating strong industry and community ties and servicing our customers with high quality products and advanced technologies,” Mordashov said. “Being located here in the heart of the automotive industry with strong heritage and spirit of innovation, we are proud to be able to continue on the traditions of the great past and on to the bright future.” 

Severstal North America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Russian-based OAO Severstal, one of the world’s leading vertically-integrated steel and steel-related mining producers with geographically diversified assets on four continents. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.