Big River Steel (BRS) has partnered with Koch Metallics, wherein the latter will serve as the exclusive agent for metallics procurement for the steel mill.
BRS said the new partnership will facilitate improvement in metallics procurement for the steelmaker by utilizing Koch’s networks, and prospects.
Dave Stickler, chief executive officer of BRS highlighted Koch said the agreement will fast-track numerous initiatives BRS has in progress. These plans will also allow alternate methods for the metallics and flat rolled steel buying or selling process, Stickler added.
Under the new arrangement, Martin Baker, metallics procurement manager for BRS, will join the Koch team as metallics procurement and conversion manager. Baker will continue to develop and expand relationships with domestic and global metallics providers and steel consumers in this role.
BRS manages a Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design certified scrap metal recycling and flat-rolled steel production plant in Osceola, Arkansas. The steelmaker began an expansion initiative in June 2019 to double its output capacity from 1.65mn mt to 3.3mn mt. This project has been moving ahead of plan and is projected to be accomplished by the end of 2020.
Koch Metallics – subsidiary of Koch Minerals & Trading is a global provider of bulk materials, with experience in bulk material handling along with vessel, barge, rail, and truck transportation. This expertise is expected to positively influence BRS’s earnings through the use of productivity improvements which would lead to cuts in raw material expenses.