Nucor Corporation has announced the development of a new cutting-edge sheet mill in Mason County, West Virginia.
Nucor’s Ohio River location in West Virginia offers major transportation and logistics advantages, as well as a better ability to serve clients in the Midwest and Northeast, the two most important sheet-consuming regions in the United States.
The new mill, when fully operational, will employ roughly 800 full-time coworkers.
“Following a thorough process to determine the right location for our state-of-the-art, greenfield sheet mill, we are thrilled to make this significant investment in West Virginia and enhance our presence in this important region,” said Leon Topalian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation.
“Our new sheet mill in Mason County will have unrivaled capabilities, allowing us to continue expanding our high-quality, low-carbon steel offerings while building on our industry-leading position.”
“We are thrilled to be able to create hundreds of new, well-paying jobs while positioning West Virginia as a leader in clean steel production.”
“We are also thrilled to create significant long-term value for investors through this high-return investment, which will contribute to Nucor’s continued expansion.”
The new sheet mill, as previously stated, is estimated to cost roughly $2.7 billion and have a capacity of three million tons of steel per year.
The new mill will be able to produce 84-inch sheet products and will contain a 76-inch tandem cold mill and two galvanizing lines, among other things.
Galvanizing will be offered on both an advanced high-end automotive line with complete inspection capabilities and a construction-grade line.
Aside from its sophisticated capabilities and strategic location, the new greenfield mill will have a much lower carbon footprint than past suppliers to the region.
Construction is estimated to take two years, subject to permitting and regulatory approvals.
Other areas in Northern West Virginia are being examined for a transload and processing plant.
“We thank Governor Jim Justice, Secretary Mitch Carmichael and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Speaker of the House of Delegates Roger Hanshaw, Senate President Craig Blair, and local officials in Mason County for their partnership and support of this project,” said John Farris, Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel West Virginia.
“We look forward to breaking ground in Mason County and partnering with colleges and universities on workforce development programs, supporting veterans’ organizations and local food pantries, and working with opioid recovery programs that will provide meaningful pathways to jobs.”
