APPLE GROVE, W.Va. (WV News) — The long-awaited groundbreaking for Nucor’s sheet steel mill in Mason County was held Friday morning.
The record investment will exceed $2.7 billion, making it the largest in West Virginia history, as well as the largest single investment Nucor has ever made, according to Gov. Jim Justice.
Nucor first announced the project in September of 2021.
Several Nucor leaders were on hand for Friday’s ceremony, including John Farris, Nucor’s West Virginia vice president and general manager; Leon Topalian, Nucor’s chair, president and chief executive officer; and Rex Query, executive vice president of sheet products and talent resources.
Among state elected officials participating were Justice, U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito and state Senate President Craig Blair.
Also on hand were Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers; and John Musgrave, executive director of the Mason County Development Authority.
In his opening remarks, Farris thanked the people of Mason County.
“The support we have received and the willingness to help has been tremendous, and we are truly humbled by the warm welcome,” Farris said.
Nucor CEO Topalian highlighted how the Apple Grove facility will further Nucor’s commitment to the production of clean steel, and its role as the largest recycler in the world.
“The investment we are making here in Mason County represents our continued commitment to the evolution of producing clean, sustainable steel,” Topalian said.
Gov. Justice spoke of the positive impact Nucor will have both on Mason County and the state as a whole.
“Nucor’s decision to invest in West Virginia represents a true vote of confidence in our state’s strength, resilience, and readiness to seize opportunities,” Justice said. “This is more than just a construction project. It’s a symbol of progress and the promise of a brighter future for our communities and families for generations to come.
“Now by god, the world knows where West Virginia is. Absolutely be proud, this is transformative in every way imaginable,” Justice said.
Blair echoed that sentiment.
“West Virginia is attractive now. Our youth can stay here and have gainful employment,” Blair said.
Query reiterated the appreciation of the people of the county, and the welcome they have extended to Nucor.
“We build a facility where we want to make a home,” Query said.
Manchin highlighted the economic growth Mason County will experience with Nucor’s arrival.
“What you see here is only the beginning. Everything that follows it, all the ancillary businesses that are needed to support this company is coming. All the homes that are needed to support the people who work here is coming,” Manchin said.
Capito spoke of Nucor’s commitment to giving back to the communities they are based in, and noted that the company made a sizable donation to Mason County schools when they arrived. Capito told the students on-hand that Nucor’s presence in the county serves to broaden their options for future goals.
“You are the ones who will be the beneficiaries of this,” Capito said.
Musgrave has been extensively involved with the project from the beginning. He has said the process of Nucor coming to Mason County began at the state’s Development Office, and that the state Legislature created a new development cabinet position specifically to help facilitate the project.
Farris introduced Musgrave as a “true West Virginia legend,” and asked those assembled to grant Musgrave a standing ovation.
Musgrave looked ahead to a promising future on the horizon.
“Today we’re here to plant seeds. We’re gonna break this ground and we’re going to make businesses, and jobs, and new homes, and tax space. And most of all provide an opportunity for these young people that Nucor has brought here today,” Musgrave said.
In his closing remarks, Farris announced that a representative was on hand from Guinness World Records as Nucor would be attempting to set a new world record for the longest line of shovelers at a groundbreaking. He said that 550 shovels were lined up to make the attempt, and told interested participants that they could keep their shovel.
The mill will be located on a large flat area in Apple Grove between the Ohio River and W.Va. 2. Nucor has purchased more land on the other side of W.Va. 2 for support activities. Additionally, Appalachian Power has plans to build a new substation in that area to support Nucor’s electricity needs for its large arc furnaces.
Once operational, Nucor officials say the new mill will have the capacity to produce as much as three million tons of sheet steel per year. It also will be equipped to produce 84-inch sheet products and will include a 76-inch tandem cold mill and two galvanizing lines capable of producing advanced high-end automotive and construction grades. The new mill will employ as many as 2,000 construction workers during building, and up to 800 full-time employees when it becomes fully operational, according to Nucor.
Nucor now expects to spend $3.1 billion on the mill, up from $2.7 billion when the project was first announced. The mill is expected to have an economic impact on the area of $2.5 billion annually.