Nucor selects West Virginia to build steel sheet mill

Nucor will build its newest 3 million st/year steel sheet mini-mill in Mason County, West Virginia, over the next two years to serve customers the US Midwest and Northeast, the company said Jan. 12.

"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," CEO Leon Topalian said in a statement. "Our new sheet mill in Mason County will have unmatched capabilities that will enable the continued expansion of high-quality, low carbon [footprint] steels, building on our industry-leading offerings."

The sheet mill is expected to cost about $2.7 billion and be equipped to produce 84-inch wide sheet products, Nucor said. The site will also include a 76-inch tandem cold mill and two galvanizing lines, the company added.

"Galvanizing capabilities will include an advanced high-end automotive line with full inspection capabilities as well as a construction-grade line," the Charlotte-based steelmaker said. "In addition to its advanced capabilities and optimal strategic location, the new greenfield mill will have a significantly lower carbon footprint than competitors who have historically supplied the region."

Nucor said the West Virginia location on the Ohio River was chosen for its transportation and logistics advantages in relation to its targeted regional customer base.

The start of construction is still pending permit and regulatory approvals, and additional sites in Northern West Virginia are also under consideration for a transload and processing facility.

Nucor first announced plans for its state-of-the art sheet mill in September, stating that locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia were under consideration for the project.