HEIDTMAN REACHES THE ULTIMATE LEVEL IN
FLAT ROLLED SHEETS

Press Release July 27, 2005

Heidtman Steel Products. Inc. – the nation’s largest privately held flat rolled service center network – headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is about to commission a state of the art stretcher leveling line at their newly expanded facility in Butler, Indiana. This leveler which is presently being installed, adds yet another dimension to Heidtman’s extensive processing capabilities and will produce “The Flat OneTM “, the ultimate level in flat rolled sheets. The anticipated startup date is late September.

Stretcher leveling produces a stress free product that is superior to that of traditional temper pass. The produced product, The Flat OneTM, is the result of highly automated stretcher leveling technology, developed by Red Bud Industries. This technology combined with Heidtman’s expertise in application and process technology produces a sheet product with a heretofore unheard of one I unit of flatness that will still hold quarter standard flatness tolerance after laser cutting.

With 150 ft. per minute line speed, the line has the capability of handling 60,000 pound inbound coils and produce up to 18,000 tons per month. The highly automated, .3125 x 72'' (.375 x 60'') stretcher leveler produces a stress-free sheet product to be used in laser, turret, or other flatness critical applications. Plus, the strategic location of the Butler facility allows Heidtman to serve existing customers more efficiently as well as to reach out to new customers.

For over 50 years, Heidtman has been committed to the highest level of customer service and unparalleled quality through process, precision and continual growth. This line will be housed in it’s own new 125,000 square foot facility, adjacent to Heidtman’s expansive 510,000 square foot Butler, Indiana plant. Both facilities are just yards away from the Steel Dynamics Inc. mill.

About Heidtman Steel
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, log on to www.heidtman.com.