AK Tube Plant Re-Certified In VPP Safety Program

The Columbus, IN plant of AK Tube LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AK Steel (West Chester, OH), was recently re-certified as a Star site in the Indiana Department of Labor's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The Star designation signifies that the plant's safety programs go above and beyond the requirements established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. AK Tube in Columbus has been VPP Star certified since 2006.

AK Tube employs about 250 men and women in plants in Walbridge, OH and Columbus that manufacture carbon and stainless electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular steel products for truck, automotive and other markets.

"Your re-approval to the Voluntary Protection Program is a strong endorsement of the continued dedication to workplace safety and health demonstrated by you and your employees at AK Tube LLC in Columbus," said Lori Torres, commissioner for the Indiana Department of Labor. "As a participant in the VPP, you hold a position as an industry leader in workplace safety and health, and serve as a model for what a safety and health management system can be."

"AK Tube's VPP Star designation speaks volumes about the professionalism of our employees in Columbus and their commitment to safety," said James L. Wainscott, AK Steel chairman, president and CEO. "We congratulate them for becoming re-certified, an achievement that reflects AK Steel's unwavering commitment to safety at all of our plant operations."

In addition to VPP Star designation, AK Tube in Columbus received the Safety Award of Honor from the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International in 2008 and 2009.

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, appliance, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets.

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