North Carolina-based steel producer Nucor Corp. is set to invest around $125 million to open an advanced manufacturing facility in Alabama. The new facility will be built in Decatur (already home to Nucor’s steel mill) by Nucor Towers & Structures. 200 jobs with an average annual salary of $75,000 will be created as a result. “Alabama offers world-class companies like Nucor all the advantages they need to find success, including a skilled workforce, a pro-business environment, and a solid support system,” Governor Ivey said. “This investment project is a win for Nucor and Decatur, and for all of Alabama.”
Increasing Demand for Utility Infrastructure
Demand for utility infrastructure is continually increasing. According to Nucor, a myriad of factors are responsible for this welcome growth – namely, grid hardening to protect against weather-related outages, natural disasters, and replacements, the growing population, renewable energy projects, and the continual construction of EV chargers across the United States. Demand is also further boosted by ever-growing federal government support for renewable energy projects and electric infrastructure. “We are very excited to be building this new tower production plant in Alabama, where Nucor has a long history and presence throughout the state,” said Leon Topalian, chair, president, and CEO of Nucor Corp. “As America’s most diverse industrial manufacturer of steel products, we will be able to efficiently supply this new plant, helping to ensure that our nation’s critical energy and digital infrastructure is built with the cleanest, most sustainable steel in the world,” he added.
Cutting-Edge Features
The new manufacturing facility in Decatur will be highly automated for optimal productivity and fitted with cutting-edge features, including straight-line production. Indeed, automation in all types of materials handling environments is key to greater efficiency. Advanced hot-dip galvanizing operations (which involves coating base metal with zinc to maximize longevity and rust- and corrosion resistance) will also be in place. Equipped with these state-of-the-art features, Nucor Towers & Structures will be even better poised to deliver precise, engineered solutions for utility infrastructure and building development projects.
Broadening Horizons
Nucor’s substantial investment will be put towards the construction of the facility and manufacturing equipment, as well as land amelioration. The new plant will be built close to Nucor’s sheet steel mill. Nucor already owns a number of facilities across Alabama in Fort Payne, Birmingham, Eufaula, Tuscaloosa, and Decatur, all dedicated to manufacturing joists, steel, decking, metal buildings, and tubular products. “Nucor Corp. has a long-standing manufacturing presence in Alabama, and it’s great to see the new Nucor Towers & Structures business unit commence operations in Decatur,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Over the years, we’ve developed a strong partnership with Nucor, and I look forward to seeing our relationship expand with this new venture.”
“We appreciate the support we have received from the state and local officials in Alabama,” said Laurent De Mey, general manager of Nucor Towers & Structures. “We are excited to launch our expansion of this new Nucor business in the State of Alabama.”
