"With more flexibility and capacity we are well-positioned to be a leader in the seamless pipe market".
Synchronicity of the FQM (Fine Quality Mill)
While construction for the new pipe mill plant continues, I am on a parallel path working with Human Resources, purchasing, controlling, operating technology and the construction team to make sure we have a staff in place, equipment up and running and quality and production systems set to monitor and control operations. My role, as manager of the fine quality mill (FQM), is to make sure this finely tuned process is in sync.
Over 80% of the FQM employees are hired. Our hourly team members are job shadowing pipe mill employees at our neighboring sister plant, V&M STAR. By the time we begin hot commissioning year-end many of our team members will have been training on the job for as long as 10 months. This gives us great confidence that they will be ready to go.
Pre-assembly of equipment underway
Since August we have assembled much of the equipment in advance, in an off-site warehouse. This helps to expedite the installation and start up. With a facility of this size, we do not just turn on the switch and start producing pipes. We have rigorous controls planned to make sure we follow a very deliberate process to get us up and running and into production.
Once each component is functioning properly, our next milestone is having them all operating together. The final step is the synchronization of the entire process: a billet goes into the rotary hearth furnace to start the process while a piece of pipe comes out to end the process. While it sounds simple, in reality this highly technical process takes detailed analysis, precise timing and complete conformity of all pieces and parts working together to make this happen.
The new seamless pipe mill will produce OD (outside diameter) pipe sizes ranging from 2 3/8 “– 7”. Combined with the current pipe mill, which produces 5” – 10 3/4” OD sizes, we will have a broader product range plus increased capacity for mid-range ODs. With more flexibility and capacity we are well-positioned to be a leader in the seamless pipe market.