Also included in this titanium capability expansion is an approximate
25% increase across ATI's titanium production system, including increases
in vacuum arc remelt capacity, electron beam cold hearth melting capacity,
and forging reheat capacity.
"We expect over $200 million of annual revenue growth with attractive
after-tax returns from these capital projects when they are fully
implemented in 2007. As a result of investments ATI has made during
the past several years, we currently have unparalleled finishing assets
for titanium straight length and flat-rolled products. The new capital
investments announced today add much needed titanium raw material,
melt, and remelt capacity to help optimize market opportunities for
ATI," said Pat Hassey, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Allegheny Technologies. "These strategic investments
confirm ATI's commitment to profitably grow our high performance metals
business.
"The excellent combination of high strength to weight ratio,
corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility make titanium an ideal
specialty metal for many sophisticated and challenging twenty-first
century applications. Titanium demand from the aerospace market, for
both aero-engine and airframe applications, is expected to continue
to be robust for the next several years. ATI is a leading producer
of premium titanium alloys used in aero-engine rotating parts used
for both original equipment and spare part applications. Airframe
and airframe components offer significant growth potential for ATI.
The industry trend towards the use of composite materials in airframes
increases the need for our titanium alloys.
"Biomedical is another buoyant market for titanium products
used for medical prosthesis such as hips and knees. ATI is a leading
producer in this market segment and works closely with end users to
develop new materials for longer lasting implants with improved biocompatibility.
Armor for the government defense market is an emerging new application
for titanium. In addition, demand for titanium for corrosion applications,
particularly from the chemical processing and oil and gas markets,
is expected to continue to be strong. Forecasted demand for titanium
products is growing and exceeds current global capabilities."
Allegheny Technologies is a leading producer of titanium and titanium
products. ATI manufactures titanium straight length products (long
products), including ingot, billet, bar, and rod; titanium flat-rolled
products, including sheet, strip, and plate; and specialty titanium
products, including shapes, seamless tubing, castings, and wire. ATI
is a technology leader in manufacturing and research and development
for titanium products. ATI is the world's only titanium producer that
employs both plasma cold-hearth and electron beam cold hearth melt
technologies. ATI holds many patents for titanium products used for
aerospace and biomedical applications.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements
are based on management's current expectations and are subject to
uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements is contained in Allegheny Technologies' filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Allegheny Technologies Incorporated is one of the largest and most
diversified specialty materials producers in the world, with revenues
of approximately $2.7 billion during 2004. The Company has approximately
9,000 full-time employees world-wide who use innovative technologies
and advanced research and development to offer growing global markets
a wide range of specialty materials solutions. High-value products
include nickel-based and cobalt-based alloys and superalloys, titanium
and titanium alloys, specialty steels, super stainless steel, exotic
alloys, which include zirconium, hafnium and niobium, tungsten materials,
and highly engineered strip and Precision Rolled Strip® products.
In addition, we produce specialty/commodity materials such as stainless
steel sheet and plate, silicon and tool steels, and forgings and castings.
The Allegheny Technologies website can be found at www.alleghenytechnologies.com.
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