HEIDTMAN STEEL ANNOUNCES ITS NEWEST FACILITY IN CLEVELAND

Cleveland Gathers to Celebrate the Groundbreaking Ceremony

September 8, 2003, Toledo, Ohio - Heidtman Steel Products, Inc., the nation’s largest privately-held flat-rolled service center network, announces the groundbreaking of its newest processing facility in Cleveland, OH. Currently, Heidtman Steel has 11 processing facilities in the United States.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place Monday, September 8, 2003 at 2pm at the new location off of Independence Ave. A reception will follow at 4pm at the Cleveland Athletic Center. Directions to both locations are attached.

The 220,000 square-foot facility is slated to have slitting capabilities available in January and pickling capabilities in March. When the plant reaches its full capacity, between 100 and 125 jobs will be created for the Cleveland area.

Representatives from the City of Cleveland who will be in attendance include: Cleveland Mayor Jane L. Campbell; Fran Migliorino, Ohio Governor’s Regional Representative; Tim Mueller, Chief Development Officer of Cleveland; Gary Failor, President, Cleveland Cuyahoga County Port Authority; Frank Jackson, President, Cleveland City Council; and many other Cleveland dignitaries.

"The addition of Heidtman Steel is a confirmation that Cleveland’s steel industry is not only back in business, but it is also thriving," said Mayor Jane L. Campbell. "The collaborative relationship between ISG and Heidtman Steel means more than just increased efficiency in steel production – it is a step toward developing a stronger Cleveland."

“Heidtman Steel has had a longstanding relationship with the Cleveland area and our new facility will help us better meet the needs of our existing customer base and help aid in the economic growth of Cleveland,” said John C. Bates, CEO and President, Heidtman Steel. “Our new facility also solidifies our strong relationship with a world class steel organization, the International Steel Group.”

Heidtman’s new Cleveland Plant will be located on the property of International Steel Group (ISG), a global steel organization formed to create value through the profitable operation of globally competitive steel plants. Heidtman Steel’s processing centers are adjacent to their primary steel producers in order to maximize mill-to-manufacturer advantages and to more efficiently and effectively serve their wide customer base.

“This new Heidtman facility is a confirmation of the restructuring and prosperity of the steel industry. We are thrilled to welcome Heidtman to the Cleveland area and look forward to furthering our positive relationship,” said Rodney Mott, President, ISG. “Heidtman’s new facility is also evidence of ISG’s philosophy to quickly convert surplus land into productive use that will benefit Cleveland’s local economy.”

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Heidtman Steel is a world leader in marketing flat-rolled carbon steel products sold through its 11 state-of-the-art processing facilities. Noted for their expertise in high strength steels, Heidtman processes nearly five million tons of steel annually through its Heidtman facilities or through joint ventures. Its products are distributed to industries including automotive, truck and bus, construction, pipe and tube, metal building, appliances, and furniture. For more information on Heidtman Steel, please log on to www.heidtman.com or call 419-691-4646.