TMK Group, Russian oil and gas tubular manufacturer, its American division IPSCO Tubulars Inc. invested new coating facility, located in Kentucky, the US, near the gas-rich Marcellus Shale formation.

The mill produced pipes of up to diameter 24 inches in fusion bond epoxy, abrasion resistant overcoat and special coating, with annual capacity of up to 360,000 tons. Coating procedure protected pipes against corrosion, mechanical damage, and weathering. The pipe produced by IPSCO has certified through CSA Z245.20, NACE SP0394, and AWWA C213 industry standards, supplying end users with top materials and quality that meet clients' specific requirement.

After having new coating facility, the plant was expected to increase output volume of high-value products and tubular market share in North America. TMK mentioned that IPSCO could optimize product quality and reduce costs through new facility, plus with its strategic location and premium tubular products, and it was expected to further enhance competitiveness in the market.