Nucor Steel Mill Coming To West Virginia
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Once operational in 2024, Nucor’s mill in West Virginia will have the capacity to produce up to 3 million tons of sheet steel per year for the automotive, appliance, HVAC, heavy equipment, agricultural, transportation and construction markets.
Nucor Corporation will start construction this year on a $2.7 billion-plus sheet steel mill in Mason County, W.Va., to be served by CSX.
The project is expected to take two years pending permit and regulatory approvals, Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor reported. Additional sites in northern West Virginia are also under consideration for a transload and processing facility to better serve customers in the upper Midwest and Northeast regions.
Once operational in 2024, the mill will have the capacity to produce up to 3 million tons of sheet steel per year for the automotive, appliance, HVAC, heavy equipment, agricultural, transportation and construction markets, according to the steel and steel products manufacturer. It will be equipped to produce 84-inch sheet products, and among other features, will include a 76-inch tandem cold mill and, initially, two galvanizing lines. Galvanizing capabilities are said to include an advanced high-end automotive line with full inspection capabilities as well as a construction-grade line.
West Virginia competed against neighboring states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, to attract the company, according to the Governor’s Office of West Virginia. “The process began in August 2021 and included site location assistance, data analysis and relationship developments throughout the state,” the Office reported.
Facility construction is expected to create 1,000 jobs, and upon completion, the mill will generate approximately 800 manufacturing jobs. Nucor has 28,000 employees at approximately 300 facilities located primarily in North America.
“This will be the world’s most advanced sheet steel mill producing the most sustainable steel that will build our nation’s modern 21st century economy,” Nucor President and CEO Leon Topalian said. “This is a transformational project that will have a significant economic impact in Mason County and surrounding areas. We look forward to being part of the community for decades to come.”
“There was a lot of hard work and dedication that went into making this a reality, and there’s no doubt that West Virginia is the best place for this steel mill,” West Virginia Department of Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael said. “We give a warm welcome and look forward to supporting the Nucor team as they succeed in West Virginia.”
In related developments, United States Steel Corp. is building a $3 billion steel mill in Osceola, Ark., to be served by BNSF once operational in 2024.
