Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced Nucor Corp. is expanding its advanced manufacturing footprint in Decatur with a $60 million investment expected to create 60 additional jobs in the region.
“Nucor has been a valued partner in Alabama for many years, and its continued growth in Decatur demonstrates what is possible when innovative companies, a skilled workforce and supportive communities come together,” Ivey said. “This $60 million investment will create new opportunities for hardworking Alabamians while strengthening the production of critical utility infrastructure that supports communities and businesses across our nation.”
The expansion will increase utility pole production and add laydown and galvanizing inspection space. The company considered other states for this expansion.
“Our continued growth in Alabama reflects Nucor’s longstanding commitment to the state and its communities,” Nucor Corp. Chair and CEO Leon Topalian said. “The expansion of our Towers & Structures production facility in Decatur will help us meet the strong demand from utilities across the country that are making significant investments to strengthen and modernize the nation’s power grid.
“We appreciate the support we have received from state and local officials in Alabama, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Morgan County Economic Development Authority and the Industrial Development Board of the City of Decatur,” Topalian continued.
Nucor employs more than 2,700 teammates in Alabama and has facilities in Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Fort Payne and Eufaula that produce steel, tubular products, joists and decking and metal buildings. Nucor’s presence in Morgan County includes Nucor Steel Decatur, Nucor Tubular Products and Nucor Towers & Structures, which manufactures steel utility structures supporting electric transmission and critical infrastructure and was announced in 2023. In 2023, Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa also made a $280 million investment in its rolling mill.
“Nucor is the largest steel and steel-products manufacturer in North America and is a critical link in our nation’s manufacturing and construction supply chain,” Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. “We are proud that Nucor has again chosen Alabama for an expansion, recognizing our commitment to providing the skilled workforce, infrastructure and community partners that will help it continue to succeed.”
The company is eligible for state support through Jobs Act credits and Alabama Industrial Development Training assistance.
“Through its multiple expansions in Decatur, Nucor has shown the power of the Alabama worker,” state Senator Arthur Orr, chairman of the Morgan County Economic Development Association, said. “Having a dedicated and skilled workforce combined with low taxes, low power rates and low regulation create a winning dynamic that other companies are discovering in north Alabama. Nucor knew that years ago and, as a consequence, continues to invest and grow in our business-friendly environment.”
Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence said Nucor’s $60 million investment represents a significant commitment to both its facility and Decatur’s future.
“Nucor has been a valued partner to our city, and we appreciate its continued confidence in our community and our workforce,” Lawrence said. “These 60 new jobs will strengthen our local economy and offer meaningful opportunities for Decatur families.”
Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long said the commission is excited to welcome the new jobs.
“These are exactly the types of quality employment opportunities we work to attract to Morgan County,” Long said. “We have an outstanding workforce, and I am confident they will welcome the opportunity to be part of a successful and growing company like Nucor.”
