The chairmen of Birmingham Steel and Nucor are far more cautious in their assessments.

A year ago, officials of Birmingham Steel were talking eagerly about expanding into sheet steel to broaden their existing bar and wire businesses.

The team was born when the Birmingham Steel moved to the WBA.

James A. Todd, the president and chief executive of Birmingham Steel, said his company was looking for joint venture partners.

Birmingham Steel purchased Salmon bay in 1991.

Birmingham Steel, based in Birmingham, Ala., said it and an unidentified group had offered to pay $115 million for the building, property and equipment.

Birmingham Steel's strategy of resuscitating old mills has paid off and provides testimony to what can be achieved by steel mini-mills.

Birmingham Steel's workers take 1.6 hours to produce a ton of steel, compared with the industry average of about 5.

Birmingham Steel, like many mini-mill companies, is completely nonunion, and Mr. Todd hopes the company always will be.

On March 5, 2010, the Birmingham Steel joined the league.