Steel company Nucor Corp. says it will expand its operations in Lexington, N.C., with a $350 million “micro-mill." In a news release, Nucor says it expects to create about 200 jobs and produce 430,000 tons of steel. The mill is expected to be up and running in about two years.
The mill will produce rebar, which is often used in road and building construction. Currently, Nucor has 15 existing mills in the U.S., with a combined production capacity of 9.56 million annual tons.
“The corridor between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing regions in our nation, and new federal spending for infrastructure will further increase demand for rebar in the region,” said Leon Topalian, CEO of Nucor, in a statement. Topalion also says the new micro mill will make its rebar with about 97% recycled content.
“Manufacturing is the heartbeat of North Carolina’s economy, thanks to our skilled workers and the workforce training systems that support them,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement.