Steel manufacturer Gerdau recently started its new twin tank vacuum degassing system at its Monroe, Mich., mill. The new equipment is part of the facility’s overall $155.6 million investment project, which started several years ago. Also included in this project is a continuous caster that became operational in October 2012; the installation of six additional rolling-mill stands and a new walking-beam reheat furnace that will be completed in the fourth quarter of this year; and new straightening and quality inspection equipment that will be in use by the end of 2014. In conjunction with the rolling-mill upgrades, the input billet size will increase to 210-mm (8.3-inch) squares, which will result in a higher reduction ratio that will allow Gerdau to develop new products.