Steel processor and distributor Cargill agreed to increase its investment in its joint-venture RPS Sheet and Plate by acquiring Robinson Steel’s cold-rolling lines in East Chicago, Ind., and Granite City, Ill. The value and terms of the acquisition has not been released.

Robinson Steel developed the Robinson Processing System, or RPS, a cold-reduction process that is combined with laser cutting for cut-to-length sheets and blanks.

Cargill and Robinson established their joint venture in 2007 at Granite City, which produces and distributes 200,000 tons/year of RPS sheet and plate under license from Robinson Steel.

Now, Cargill will take sole ownership of the joint venture, Cargill Robinson LLC. Robinson Steel will continue as an independent owner and operator of its RPS Laser division, which produces precision-cut steel parts, and Cargill will be its exclusive supplier of RPS quality sheet-and-plate products.

“RPS solidifies our premier position in the processing of hot-rolled steel bands into the highest quality sheet-and-plate products to meet our customers’ needs, and it complements our broader investment in steel as a leading global trader, processor and distributor,” stated Mike Taylor, president of Cargill’s steel service center business.

“Our expanded relationship with Cargill will allow Robinson’s RPS Laser to continue to integrate our unique value proposition with Cargill’s global supply chain and risk management capabilities, accelerating our growth and geographic reach. It will clearly provide increased cost-effective value to our customer base,” said Paul Labriola, Robinson Steel president and CEO.

Cargill currently operates seven flat-rolled steel service centers that process hot-rolled band, pickled and oiled, cold-rolled, and tin mill products. Locations include East Chicago, Ind.; Houston, Texas; Tulsa, Okla.; Panama City, Fla.; Loudon, Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.