Nucor Corp., Charlotte, N.C., is investing an estimated $176 million to build a 72-inch-wide hot band galvanizing and pickling line at its sheet mill in Ghent, Kentucky. The new galvanizing line will expand Nucor Steel Gallatin’s product capabilities and have an annual capacity of 500,000 tons.
The 72-inch galvanizing line will be the widest hot-rolled galvanizing line in North America. This new line will create synergies with Nucor’s other sheet mills and increase the company’s market share of coated steel in the Midwest. Once the necessary approvals are acquired, it is expected to take two years to construct the galvanizing line and begin operations.
“The addition of a hot band galvanizing line at Nucor Steel Gallatin supports our automotive growth strategy,” says John Ferriola, Chairman, CEO, and President. “This project will allow us to move into segments of the automotive market we currently do not serve. In addition, this line will fully satisfy a key need in the marketplace for high-quality, hot-rolled galvanized steel.”
“This project will enable us to provide our customers with value-added products as part of the company’s long-term strategy for profitable growth,” says John Farris, Vice President & General Manager of Nucor Steel Gallatin. “We are proud to make this investment in the Ghent community and the State of Kentucky. We thank Governor Matt Bevin, our local officials, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, and Owen Electric, our teammates, and the entire community for their support.”
