Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc. (VSSI), a subsidiary of Italy's Acciaierie Valbruna, announced that it will invest around US$28 million to expand its plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This investment will raise its stainless steel and nickel alloy bar manufacturing capabilities.

The expansion includes installing a new remelting furnace, along with new peeling and straightening lines and advanced testing equipment.

This move is expected to solidify VSSI's position in the North American market, particularly in supplying high-quality stainless steel and nickel alloy bars to the defense and aerospace industries. The project is also expected to create 15 to 20 new full-time manufacturing jobs.