in 1948, mclouth steel started its $100 million expansion program by purchasing riverfront property in trenton, mi, with general motors providing a $25 million loan . purchasing war surplus equipment from an indiana mill (at bargain prices), the first major construction program started soon afterward. the site was laid out and four sixty ton electric arc furnaces were installed. soaking pits, a blooming mill, a steckel mill, a down-coiler and finishing equipment were installed. the first ingots were poured in 1949, and mclouth was soon established as a growing factor in the marketplace.