A Precision Powerhouse: Worthington Steel’s Rome, New York Facility
In the world of steel processing, fractions of an inch can mean the difference between excellence and failure. At Worthington Steel’s Rome, New York facility, precision is its specialty. Its dedicated team processes steel with thickness tolerances as tight as +/- 0.0002 inches. To put that in perspective, a human hair measures about 0.0035 inches in diameter. That means the Rome facility delivers steel with a level of uniformity that is imperceptible to the human eye.
Tolerance
Tolerance refers to the allowed amount of variation in a steel component’s dimensions. These variations are inevitable due to the nature of manufacturing processes, but they must remain within acceptable ranges to ensure the component functions correctly and fits with other parts.
Built for the Toughest Jobs
In the 1970s and 80s, while many facilities focused on optimizing machinery to run larger coil widths for maximize output, Rome took a different approach. Designed to take on the most challenging projects, often smaller, more custom runs, Rome set up its equipment to process coils up to 18 inches. This narrower width, compared to industry standard, allowed Rome to achieve unmatched precision and tighter tolerances with its tandem mill.
That level of accuracy is achieved through meticulous controls and processes, including in-house roll grinding, advanced gauge monitoring and carefully controlled annealing cycles. Every step of the process is designed to eliminate variation, ensuring uniformity across entire coils of steel that can stretch thousands of feet.
Jack Ellison, operations manager at Worthington Steel Rome
Our facility was designed from the ground up to do the hardest jobs out there – the ones others don’t want to do. If it’s challenging, if it requires extreme accuracy – including the tightest tolerances and highest-quality surface finishes – we want it."
Precision That Powers Essential Industries
The steel processed at Rome plays a vital role in industries where performance and durability are non-negotiable. One of the facility’s key specialties is processing steel for the bearing industry, where even the smallest deviation in thickness can impact product performance and longevity. Bearings made from Rome’s steel help extend the lifespan of machinery, improve efficiency and reduce wear in high-performance applications. Rome is also capable of producing some of the smoothest, brightest surface finishes in the market.
“Our steel is used in everything from automotive transmissions to aerospace and defense applications,” said Ellison. “We supply components for fighter jets, helicopters, naval ships and even the Mars Rover. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were deemed an essential operation because the industries we support rely on the quality we provide.”
Jack Ellison
We supply components for fighter jets, helicopters, naval ships and even the Mars Rover."
The People Behind the Precision
While technology and equipment play a key role, Rome’s greatest asset is its people. The team is trained to measure gauge or thickness variations with an accuracy of 0.0001 inches—something even the most advanced systems struggle to replicate.
“Our operators develop an eye for quality,” said Joel Middleby, senior area manager, Rolling and Grinding. “The machines help, but it’s the operators who ensure every coil meets the tightest specifications. Their experience and skill allow us to catch issues before they happen.”
The facility fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where team members are encouraged to refine processes, test new ideas and challenge the status quo.
“What we do today, we couldn’t have done five years ago,” Middleby said. “We keep raising the bar for ourselves, and that’s what keeps us ahead.”
