US steel producer Nucor has made another foray into the pipe and tube market by purchasing Republic Conduit for $335 million, Kallanish reports.

Republic was former owned by Tenaris SA and has an annual capacity of about 146,000 short tons. Earlier this year, Nucor purchased hollow structural sections producers Southland Tube and Independence Tube for a combined total of $565m, adding 840,000 st of tubular capacity to its downstream portfolio.

"The purchase of Republic Conduit complements our recent expansion of Nucor's presence in the pipe and tube market and gives us a new line of value-added products to offer our customers," says ceo John Ferriola. "This acquisition hits on all five of the drivers in our company's long-term strategy for profitable growth. We are very excited to welcome Republic Conduit employees to our Nucor team."