Independence Tube Co. of Chicago is building a $30.6 million, 300,000-square-foot steel tube manufacturing plant, called ITC-AL, in Decatur, Ill. ITC President Rick Werner says the new company will start production of square and rectangular structural tubing by the end of 2005. Werner says the new plant will make tubing ranging from 2.5 to 10 inches from steel coil purchased from a nearby Nucor Corp. plant.

Crucible Materials Corp., Syracuse, N.Y., is closing its Trent Tube division's large pipe operation in Carrollton, Ga. Crucible says the plant has been unprofitable because of imports and overcapacity.

Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. of Northville, Mich., will permanently close an aluminum automotive wheel manufacturing plant in Howell, Mich., and transfer the plant's production to other U.S. facilities.

Lewis Brass & Copper Co. Inc., a copper and brass alloy distributor in Middle Village, N.Y., has completed a leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), transferring 49% of company ownership to its 21 employees.

JW Aluminum Co., Mount Holly, S.C., has completed its purchase of Alcoa Inc.'s Russellville, Ark., and St. Louis foil facilities, known collectively as Alumax Foils.