WCI STEEL, INC. (WCI) is a niche-oriented integrated producer of value-added, custom steel products. WCI's primary facility covers approximately 1,100 acres in Warren, Ohio, with additional facilities owned by subsidiaries located in Niles and Youngstown, Ohio, all of which are situated between Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. WCI produces approximately 185 grades of flat-rolled custom and commodity steel products. Total shipments were 1,281,140 tons during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2002 (fiscal 2002) and 1,041,209 tons in fiscal 2001. The Company produces a wide range of custom flat-rolled steel products, including high-carbon, alloy, ultra-high-strength, silicon electrical and heavy-gauge galvanize steel. WCI's custom products are characterized by small order quantities, specialized chemistries, narrow widths and value-added processing, with an emphasis on customer-specific quality requirements and delivery performance.