Cleveland-Cliffs completes production trial with automotive OEM

Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF) announced that it has successfully completed a production trial in collaboration with an automotive OEM, in which Cleveland-Cliffs’ exposed steel parts were stamped with no defects using the OEM’s existing aluminum-forming equipment. The trial marks a significant milestone in demonstrating that Cliffs steel can effectively replace aluminum in critical automotive applications without the need for costly retooling. This accomplishment is a major breakthrough in the wake of recent major disruptions, presumably long-lasting, in the aluminum supply chain. As of now, Cleveland-Cliffs has already moved from the trial phase to routine production and delivery of regular orders to the client. Cliffs has also received inquiries from other clients for programs that will replace aluminum with Cliffs steel, underscoring the growing confidence among automotive OEM’s in domestic steel and Cliffs’ supply reliability.