BEST REFRACTORY PROJECT

Number 63 Stove Reline, U.S. Steel Corporation Gary Works 
Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky
Signatory Contractor: Songer Services, Inc.

Spanning five months, with an investment of approximately $11.7 million, the reline of Number 63 Stove at the US Steel Corporation Gary Works plant in Gary, IN was a monumental task. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and professionalism of the 35 skilled BAC Local 4 IN/KY members who devoted their expertise and countless hours to ensure the success of this reline.

The task involved working on live equipment – blast furnaces and surrounding stoves – requiring precise planning and execution. Any misstep could have jeopardized the entire operation, making safety and accuracy paramount. 

The scope of this project included the use of various specialized materials, including high-temperature mortar, insulating fire bricks, high-density fire bricks, and checker bricks. Each type of brick was designed for a specific function within the stove's structure – whether in the dome, combustion chamber, checker chamber, or hot blast connection. The intricacy of this work was evident in the complex brick lacing and the careful construction of the brick dome, both of which showcased expertise and precision.

Despite the challenges inherent in such a large-scale industrial operation, the project was completed safely, on time, and to the highest standards of quality. The reline of Number 63 Stove may not be visible to most, but the craftsmanship involved is indispensable to the functioning of the blast furnace and, by extension, the steel production process. It is the skill and attention to detail in the work of these craftworkers that ensures the furnace operates efficiently and safely, and it is this dedication to excellence that sets a benchmark for industrial projects.