The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-11

their finished products in the Bir- mingham district Is by now a more than twice-told tale. It does not ap- pear that much additional capacity can be brought in owing to various conditions as to materIais, labor sup ply and the like. The result of this condition more or less prevalent over the country Is regarded by experts as tending to prevent over production. So far domestic demand Is fully car ing for production and this condi- tion seems headed to an indefinite continuance.
 The Tennessee company Is continu- ing the supreme effort at maximum production in all departments. It is becoming more and more difficult to break prior records. The Oxmoor furnace will probably not be ready for the torch until some time in March. That appears to be about the only remaining avenue for increase of production.
 The Gulf States Steel and American Steel and Wire are loaded with orders for months to come and are compelled to exercise discretion In allotment of production to customers. January pig iron production of 232,- 900 tons did not surprise. It Is largest since December, 1917, when 1000 tens were produced by 32 stacks, compared with the 24 to 25 active in January. So much Is due to enlarg ed furnaces. Alabama company may in- crease iron production next month by blowing in a second Gadsden stack, which will come in as soon as raw materials can be assembled.
 Bare Iron Yards
 Reduction of yard holdings of pig f.-@Y t., lol l.n, f.. UDv Lected. They went down from 75,000 tons to 53,000 and are going down from that low point. The record low was 44,000 tons in July, 1922. March 1 will find Alabama furnace yards practically bare if car service re- mains what it is.
 The thrilled tonnage of the Steel corporation reflects the briskness of the steel trade. fulfilled orders on hand February l were 6,910,000 tons, an increase over the preceding month of 165, 1000 tons. The increase of un- filled orders over year ago is 4.241.- 900 tons, which is more than 60 per cent.
 Going Far Afield
 Ensley and Fairfield mills con- tinuously-- ship products far afield. Last week 2,700 tons of rails went to Alaska and a vessel IS now putting ir at Mobile for a cargo of ERsley rails and phosphate, etc., for Kobe and Yokahoma. The movement to the Orient takes place steadily year in and year out.
 Big Cement Awards
 Large cement contracts In connec- tion with Wilson dam have been let. A total of 100000 barrels has been let to the Atlas, Gulf States and ID ,Io quota reaching s710.000 and that of the Demopolis plant $2Os,OoO, the Chattanooga plant, the Dixie, getting Sl46,000 worth.
 Iron Firm at $25
 The pig iron market ended the week at firm base of $25, with customers advised to buy now to avoid higher prices later on. One maker booked 10000 tons for third quarter. Another sold 1000 tons at $25 in short order. Some small lots of s26 iron have been rumored, but this does not appear to be general tendency even on car load lots.
 All Pipe Is Strong
 Pressure and soil pipe alike gather strength. The pressure pipe base Is s45 for to 12 inches and $44 for 14 inches and up, with $49 for finch sizes and s4S for gas pipe. Sanitary pipe is $65 for standard, $60 for extra heavy and S70 for fittings.
 To Enlarge Plant
 The United States Pipe company has ordered immediate installation of five more De Lavaud machines in the North Birmingham plant, where the four original ones cannot keep up with the demand. The capacity of the four Is GOO pieces or 7,200 feet per day. This is to be increased by 125 per cent
 Movie pictures showing the manu- facture of De Lavaud pipe and the old sand casting methods will be pre- sented by the United States Pipe in the Tutwiler hotel on February 16. The reels have been shown all over