A major announcement to build a $250 million steel rebar micro-mill in Sedalia was made at the Lowell Mohler building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds Tuesday afternoon by Nucor, the largest producer of steel in the US.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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According to Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, the plant will employ 250 people.

“We told you a long time ago we were going to do things different,” he said. “We told you that we were going to fight for more jobs and higher pay for Missourians, and today we're able to be here and celebrate this, because we are doing exactly what we said we were going to do and we're fighting for the people of Missouri,” Greitens said.

“This project also happened because of your hard work,” Greitens added. He later added that hundreds gathered at the Capitol with a very clear message: “We don't want welfare, we want to work, so bring back American jobs. And you know what? We got the job done, and now we're bringing 250 jobs back to Sedalia.”

Nucor CEO John Ferriola noted that positioning the micro-mill in Sedalia will give the company a "sustained cost advantage over other domestic steel producers supplying rebar from outside the region."

Ferriola added that "the new facility will be called Nucor Steel Sedalia, LLC."

Nucor is 169th on the 2017 Fortune 500 list, reporting $16.2 bilion in revenues in their last fiscal year. The company utilizes energy-efficient electric arc furnaces which turn 17 million tons of scrap metal into new steel every year, which effectively makes Nucor the largest recycler in North America, according to a press release.

According to Nucor, the rebar micro steel mill is expected to create 255 full-time jobs with an average salary of $65,000. In addition the project is expected to create an additional 450 temporary construction jobs.

Sedalia Mayor Stephen J. Galliher noted in his remarks that he and County Commissioner David Dick were able to meet with Nucor officials. "From the very start, it was clear that they were a perfect fit for Sedalia, it's a perfect marriage between Nucor and Sedalia. We both value hard work and we value our employees," Galliher said. "So from our family to your family, we welcome you."

Dick said that Nucor's arrival represents a major impact on the area. He compared Tuesday's announcement to that of hen Missouri Pacific shops came to town in 1902.

The plant is reportedly going to be built on a 300-acre tract of land just north of Sedalia. The land was purchased from Albert Reine, Jr., who was recognized during the event by EDSPC Board President Rusty Kahrs.

In a related story, The Missouri Finance Board approved two projects benefiting Missouri on Tuesday, one of which was board approval of $4,646,700 to assist the Nucor Corporation in bringing 255 new jobs to Pettis County.

Nucor's world headquarters are in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nucor also owns a facility in Maryville, and the Sedalia site will be Nucor's 14th bar mill in the US, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MoDED).

Nucor said the plant is expected to start up in 2019, pending final approval and awarding of state and local incentives, as well as the required permits and regulatory approvals.

Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada.

Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel -- in bars, beams, sheet and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating; and wire and wire mesh.

Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and HBI/DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler.

Dirt Road Addiction provided the musical entertainment for the event.

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