Georgetown Steel, once a premier U.S. steel wire rod producer, has continued to go through extended harsh times, with further cuts by its U.K. owners, Liberty Steel.

Per multiple media reports, some four months ago Liberty Steel cut 50 Georgetown positions, with a company spokesman cited as saying that staffing had dwindled to six workers. “We’re hoping to restart at some point when market conditions get better,” said Reace Smith, Liberty Steel’s head of communications and brand.

The Georgetown steel mill, which opened in 1969, was ranked as the 14th largest U.S. steel producer in 1981, and at one point had some 1,500 employees. The cyclical steel market was cruel at points, and it has seen a series of new owners. Those included the government of Kuwait in 1984, Bain Capital LLC in 1993, Mid-Coast Industries in 2002, the International Steel Group in 2004, India’s Lakshmi Mittal in 2005, ArcelorMittal in 2011 and the Liberty Steel Group in 2018. 

Anti-dumping investigation to address steel wire rod from 3 countries

Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) has launched an anti-dumping duty investigation into steel wire rods originating from or exported by China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Per multiple media reports, a statement from MITI said that its probe follows a petition filed by Southern Steel Bhd, a domestic producer that alleged that imports from the countries were being sold at prices lower than domestic products. It also claims that the dumped imports have increased significantly causing material injury to the domestic industry, the ministry said.

The investigation was initiated under Section 20 of the Countervailing & Anti-Dumping Duties Act 1993 and Regulation 7 of the Countervailing & Anti-Dumping Duties Regulations 1994.

“A preliminary determination will be made within 120 days from the initiation date. If the preliminary determination is affirmative, the government will impose a provisional anti-dumping duty at the necessary rate to prevent further injury to the domestic industry,” the statement said.

Malaysian company orders multiple cable-laying vessels from a Dutch ship builder

OMS Group, a KKR-backed Malaysian subsea digital infrastructure company, has ordered multiple cable-laying vessels from Dutch maritime firm Royal IHC.

A statement from OMS said that the first of the new vessels is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027. The group did not disclose any financial details or the total number of vessels to be constructed.

Per Business Times, KKR invested US$400 million in OMS Group in October last year as part of its expansion in the digital infrastructure space in Southeast Asia. OMS is a portfolio company of KKR. In June, OMS said it secured US$292.5 million worth of loans from a group of financial institutions including HSBC, E-Sun Commercial Bank and SinoPac, with help from KKR.

U.S.-based WireCo, a global leader in synthetic and steel wire rope manufacturing, announced that one of its brands, Lankhorst Ropes, entered a strategic alliance with Sensor Technologies that has led to an innovative product designed to redefine industry standards and drive maritime operations into the future.

A press release said that Sureline Systems, the recently unveiled product from Sensor Technologies and Lankhorst Ropes, represents a leap forward in maritime technology. The pen-shaped Sureline sensor is installed in the core of the Lankhorst rope. Via an on-vessel display, it provides crews with the ability to precisely monitor the performance of each rope, including rope tension, rope angle, slew angle and peak loads, as it is being used. During mooring, Sureline allows the rope’s tension to be monitored and adjusted to ensure it remains within the safe working load. For towage, Sureline helps the tug master avoid over-tensioning the tow line above their preset limit.

Lankhorst Ropes is part of WireCo WorldGroup, one of the world’s largest steel and synthetic fiber rope manufacturers. Founded in 1803, Lankhorst Ropes has over 200 years’ experience in the manufacture and supply of ropes for mooring and towing applications.

“We are excited to partner with Lankhorst Ropes in introducing this groundbreaking product to the maritime market,” said Sensor Technologies CEO Peter Farthing. “Our collaboration represents a synergy of innovation, expertise and shared vision. Together, we have created a solution that empowers maritime operators to achieve new levels of efficiency, safety and sustainability. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to driving progress and shaping the future of the maritime industry.”

Hengtong Cable Australia (HCA) will be supplying United Group, 45 km of flexible LV, 15 km of earth and 15 km of 33 kV cable, for its Stage 2 Western Downs BESS project. Queensland is an Australian state covering the continent’s northeast, with a coastline stretching nearly 7,000 km.

This project involves the installation of a 270 MW / 540 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the necessary high-voltage infrastructure to connect it to the grid at Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub. The BESS will comprise 140 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and is anticipated to commence operations in 2026.

The United Group is currently working on Stage 1 of the Western Downs Battery, which is of the same capacity and is expected to be operational later this year. Once completed, both stages will operate in conjunction with Neoen’s 460 MWp Western Downs solar farm, facilitating the transmission of stored energy into the electricity network.

The Hengtong Group has 11 manufacturing facilities based in Europe, South America, South Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, with sales offices in more than 40 countries and regions around the world.