Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Legislature recently finalized the largest economic development project in state history. This $2.5 billion corporate investment by Steel Dynamics, Inc., its subsidiaries, and its partners expect to create 1,000 jobs with an average salary of $93,000 in Lowndes County.
Steel Dynamics is expanding its Columbus, Mississippi, campus, which is located on a Tennessee Valley Authority Mega Site, by locating two new facilities in the Golden Triangle Industrial Park: a state-of-the-art low-carbon, aluminum flat rolled mill and a biocarbon production facility. A $1.9 billion recycled aluminum flat rolled mill will be built on a 2,000-acre site. This recycled aluminum flat rolled mill will serve the sustainable beverage packaging, automotive and industrial markets. The large-scale site will allow for a select number of customers to co-locate, which could increase investment in the community and add numerous additional jobs. Construction is expected to begin in 2023 with completion of the aluminum mill in 2025.
Additionally, Steel Dynamics joint venture SDI Biocarbon Solutions, LLC will be constructing a biocarbon production facility. Construction of the biocarbon production facility is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed late in 2023.
On November 2, 2022, the Mississippi Legislature approved financial assistance for the project through the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority. The funds will be used for site acquisition and site preparation, infrastructure improvements and workforce training. Lowndes County also is providing land and public infrastructure. The Tennessee Valley Authority and 4-County Electrical Power Association also are assisting with the project.
Steel Dynamics plans to fill positions at the facilities over the next few years.
“With this record-breaking investment, Steel Dynamics is creating 1,000 high-quality, blue-collar jobs that pay more than double the current average salary of Mississippi. I want to thank Steel Dynamics, the Mississippi Legislature, the Mississippi Development Authority, Joe Max Higgins and Golden Triangle Development LINK, and everyone involved in this project whose diligent work was instrumental in securing this tremendous economic development win for the people of our great state. This historic project will have an unprecedented impact on the entire state of Mississippi and is a testimony to our state and its incredible workforce.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
“Since locating in Lowndes County in 2014, Steel Dynamics has undergone several expansions – each one a sterling example of an industry-leading company finding the formula for success in our state. Today’s announcement is a monumental success for Mississippi, and it will create significant economic opportunities across the Golden Triangle Region for many generations to come. We appreciate the leadership of Governor Reeves and the Mississippi Legislature, whose support of economic development continues to make positive impacts in Lowndes County and throughout the entire state.” – MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp
“We are eager to expand our presence in Columbus, and we appreciate the warm welcome and support that we have received from officials, Governor Tate Reeves, and the State of Mississippi, as well as leaders from the Mississippi Development Authority and local leaders from the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, the Lowndes County Industry Development Authority, the Lowndes County Port Authority, the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority, and the Golden Triangle Development LINK. We thank them for their trust, shared vision, and support of these important strategic investments.” – Mark D. Millett, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Steel Dynamics, Inc.
“Steel Dynamics was formed in 1993 as a startup company. Since that time, they have grown to become one of the largest steel producers in the United States. This does not happen by accident, but rather proof that hard work, reputation, and relationships matter. The Golden Triangle region is extremely fortunate to have a world-class company like Steel Dynamics who believes in our region and more importantly, our people.” – Joe Max Higgins, CEO, Golden Triangle Development LINK
“Steel Dynamics has been an exemplary partner since purchasing the mill in 2014, and we look forward to continuing that relationship. Not only does the company employ nearly 900 individuals within the region, but provides much needed resources to local governments.” – Trip Hairston, President, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors
“TVA congratulates Steel Dynamics on its decision to expand operations and create new impactful jobs and investment in Columbus. Supporting companies, like Steel Dynamics, that create job opportunities and investment in our region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with Mississippi Development Authority, Golden Triangle Development LINK, 4-County Electric Power Association and the Environmental Protection Agency to celebrate this company’s commitment to continued growth in Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development