For Immediate Release

BETHLEHEM, Pa., September 26, 2002 - A new coated sheet for architectural cladding, high-visibility construction applications and household appliances that offers the metallic look of aluminum and stainless steel at a fraction of the cost has been developed and patented* by Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

Named SLEEKaz coated sheet, the new product combines the appearance of a uniform, spangle-free, metallic-surface finish with the long-term corrosion resistance of an aluminum-zinc alloy coating. The end result is a steel product that looks like aluminum or stainless steel for a fraction of the cost.

"SLEEKaz coated sheet is the industry's most significant product development for cosmetically-enhanced construction applications since Bethlehem Steel's invention of GALVALUME�** sheet more than 30 years ago," said Daniel G. Mull, vice president, commercial, and chief commercial officer for Bethlehem Steel. "We are very excited about this product's potential for a variety of applications that require a smooth, silvery, metallic look, from architectural cladding to household appliances," he continued.

SLEEKaz coated sheet was first produced on the six-inch pilot hot dip coating line at Bethlehem Steel's Homer Research Labs in late 1998. Two years of additional bench top and pilot line production trials were used to perfect the coating and the manufacturing process. The new product has been extensively tested in the laboratory and in the field to demonstrate the combination of excellent surface finish and long- term corrosion resistance not available in other coated steel sheet products. The research effort culminated in successful production trials during the past year in preparation for commercial production.

The development of the new product was driven by customers looking for an environmentally friendly, cost-effective architectural cladding material with a natural metallic finish. Other customers were attracted to the opportunity to substitute SLEEKaz™ brand coated sheet for stainless steel or aluminum in some applications.

Bethlehem is backing the product with a 30-year conditional warranty against rupture, structural failure or perforation due to corrosion when used for building construction applications. SLEEKaz coated sheet will be available in gauges from 0.014 inch to 0.047 inch and in widths from 24 inches to 48 inches. Available grades will include commercial steel type B and structural steel grades 40, 50, and 80.

SLEEKaz coated sheet will be produced at the Sparrows Point division near Baltimore, Maryland on its new cold mill complex that produces high-end quality cold rolled sheet for applications that require excellent surface characteristics. Sparrows Point has long been a leading supplier to the metal construction industry, beginning with its pioneering production and patenting of the zinc/aluminum coated Galvalume� sheet.

Media Contact:
Bette Kovach
610-694-6308
Public Affairs Department
Bethlehem Steel Corporation

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