SSAB announces new research and development facility for its North American Division


SSAB announces new research and development facility for its North American
Division

SSAB today announced it will construct a research and development facility
adjacent to its steel mill in Montpelier, Muscatine County, Iowa.  The new
facility will replace the research and development laboratory that was included
in the sale of SSAB's tubular operations earlier this year, and will enhance the
Division's ability to service its customers and operations in both the United
States and Canada.

The US $11 million investment comprises a new building and a variety of
specialized testing, simulation and metallographic equipment.  The department
will be staffed by 13 full-time employees, including both professional and
support staff.

“The establishment of the R&D lab at SSAB North American Division is an
important step to strengthen the company's position as a global leader in
value-added steel, especially quenched and tempered, as well as as rolled heavy
plate products. SSAB's R&D strategy focuses on continuous improvement activities
within process, product and application technologies to satisfy our customers'
needs,” says Martin Pei, Executive Vice President, Technical Development at
SSAB.

“This research and development facility will increase our ability to provide the
excellent customer support that SSAB is known for, as well as allow us to
continue development of our value-added niche product lines,” says Dr. Steve
Hansen, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for SSAB's North American
Division. “The investment speaks highly of the strategic emphasis that SSAB
places on research and development, and continuous improvement, especially given
the current business environment.”

The State of Iowa, especially the Iowa Department of Economic Development and
the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors and their  support of research and
development, has played and important role in bringing this project to Iowa.

Construction will commence in early 2009 and the facility is expected to begin
operations in the third quarter of 2009.


SSAB, a global niche producer of high strength steel with a leading market
position and productivity, develops solutions in order to increase the
competitiveness of its customers. 

For further information, please contact: 
Helena Stålnert, Executive Vice President, Communications 		Phone: +46 8 45 45
734  
Catarina Ihre, Investor relations					Phone: +46 8 45 45 729
Michele Klebuc-Simes, Vice President, Legal and Communications	         Phone:
+1 630 810 4789

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