Nucor, the largest steel and steel products producer in the U.S., announced today it is investing $100 million to add a new electric arc furnace melt shop at its existing bar mill in Kingman, Arizona. The melt shop, which will have the capacity to produce 600,000 tons annually, is expected to be operational by 2024 and create 140 new jobs.

“This investment in a new melt shop at our Arizona bar mill is part of our strategy to grow our core steelmaking business and will help us maintain our market leadership position in steel bar production,” said Leon Topalian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation. “Adding new melt shop capacity will help meet the growing demand for steel bar products in the Western region, which is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S.”

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Nucor chose to build a new melt shop at Nucor Steel Kingman as it is a rolling mill that converts steel billets into coiled wire rod and rebar but lacks a melt shop. The Kingman mill currently employs approximately 80 people.

Wire rod and rebar are used primarily in concrete reinforcement for the construction of roads, buildings, bridges and other structures. Nucor produces steel by recycling scrap metal into new steel products, making the company one of the most sustainable steel producers in the world. Last year, Nucor steel bar products averaged 98.5% recycled content.

“Nucor’s significant expansion in Kingman adds to the surge in manufacturing activity in Mohave County while supporting construction and other high-value industries,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are grateful for Nucor’s commitment to Arizona, adding hundreds of high-wage jobs in rural Arizona and driving further economic growth.”

“Nucor’s expansion and resulting high-wage jobs will greatly contribute to the economic prosperity of our city and region,” said Kingman Mayor Jen Miles. “Their investment adds to Kingman’s growing manufacturing base and in doing so, will create exciting new opportunities for our citizens. We welcome Nucor’s expansion and thank them for their positive and ongoing commitment and contributions to our city.”

Nucor has 15 bar mills located across the United States that manufacture a broad range of steel products, including concrete reinforcing bars, hot-rolled bars, rounds, light shapes, structural angles, channels, wire rod and highway products in carbon and alloy steels. Four of the bar mills have a significant focus on manufacturing SBQ and wire rod products. Steel produced by Nucor bar mills serves numerous end markets, including the agricultural, automotive, construction, energy, furniture, machinery, metal building, railroad, recreational equipment, shipbuilding, heavy truck and trailer market segments.