Approximately 805 tons of steel are being produced in Luxembourg to create the first 27 "extra-large" steel columns of the Freedom Tower, World Trade Center developer Larry A. Silverstein, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive director Kenneth J. Ringler Jr. and Tishman Construction Corporation chairman Daniel R. Tishman announced July 27. The steel will serve as part of the below-grade structure for the historic Freedom Tower and will be delivered to the World Trade Center site by the end of the year.
Production of the first steel for the Freedom Tower began this week at a plant in Differdange, Luxembourg that specializes in producing the heaviest I-beams available in the world, called "Jumbo Sections." Arcelor, one of the world’s largest steel companies, is making the high-strength, "grade 65" steel columns that are being supplied for this project. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Luxembourg is a heavyweight in terms of steel production. Historically, the presence of rich iron ore reserves in the south and the use of modern techniques makes steel producing and processing a booming sector for the country.