Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced that Nucor Corp. plans to invest approximately $125 million to open an advanced manufacturing facility in Decatur. There, a new business unit – Nucor Towers & Structures, will produce transmission towers.
“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,” said Gov. Ivey. “This investment project is a win for Nucor, Decatur, and all of Alabama.”
The new plant will create 200 full-time jobs. The positions will have an average annual compensation of $75,000 and will be filled over a four-year period.
Leon Topalian is the Chair, President and CEO of Nucor Corp.
“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 Topalin. “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.”
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Nucor already has a strong presence in Alabama. The company established the new business unit after it acquired both Summit Utility Structures LLC and Sovereign Steel Manufacturing LLC in 2022. The new division produces metal poles and other steel structures for utility infrastructure and highway signage.
Nucor’s existing facilities in Alabama produce steel, tubular products, joists, and decking, as well as metal buildings. The company has locations in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Fort Payne, Eufaula, and Decatur.
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Nucor and the steel industry have a long history and presence in Alabama. Nucor’s product lines serve an array of commercial customers in the fields of agriculture, automotive, construction, energy transmission, heavy equipment, infrastructure, transportation, oil & gas, and more. Nucor’s latest expansion, Nucor Towers & Structures, will be an advanced manufacturing facility that makes transmission towers.
The company’s capital investment in Decatur will include land improvements, construction of a new building, and manufacturing equipment. The new plant will be located adjacent to the Nucor Steel Decatur sheet steel mill.
Greg Canfield is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“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 Sec. Canfield. “Over the years, we’ve developed a strong partnership with Nucor, and I look forward to seeing our relationship expand with this new venture.”
The new plant in Alabama will be highly automated. The factory will utilize efficient straight-line production and will also include advanced hot-dip galvanizing operations.
Laurent De Mey is the General Manager of Nucor Towers & Structures.
“We appreciate the support we have received from the state and local officials in Alabama, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the State of Alabama State Industrial Development Authority, Morgan County Economic Development Association, Morgan County Economic Development Cooperative District, Morgan County, Decatur Industrial Development Board, City of Decatur, Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Valley Authority,” said De Mey. “We are excited to launch our expansion of this new Nucor business in the State of Alabama.”
“The direct and indirect jobs resulting from Nucor’s expansion will provide significant economic benefits for Decatur, Morgan County, and our entire state,” Jones said.
State Senator Arthur Orr serves as chairman of the Morgan County Economic Development Association.
“It is a true vote of confidence in our community when an existing business decides to further expand its operations here. Our people are our strength in Morgan County,” said Sen. Orr. “We are grateful for the excellent job they do for employers like Nucor and others across the area.”
Ray Long is the chairman of the Morgan County Commission.
“This is a great company with a great reputation for working with us to make Morgan County a better place to live,” said Chairman Long. “We look forward to working with them to make sure this venture is successful,” said Long.
“We are also thankful for the approximately $125 million investment and the 200 jobs created with a compensation of around $75,000,” said Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling. “Our local economic development office, along with its numerous partners, continue to work hard to bring new industries and quality jobs to Decatur. This is a prime example of that work.”
“Metals and advanced materials are one of our state’s targeted business sectors,” Jones explained. “Alabama Department of Commerce data from 2021 shows primary metal manufacturing exports valued at approximately $1.3 billion, and fabricated metal manufacturing exports valued at $453 million.”
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