Charlotte-based Nucor Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of steel and steel products in North America, announced plans to expand operations in South Carolina in Berkeley County. The company is investing $200 million over the next five years in a mill modernization project.
With roots dating back to 1905, Nucor manufactures a variety of products including carbon and alloy steel, hollow structural tubing, electrical conduit, precision castings, and more. The company’s products serve the agriculture, automotive, and energy industries.
Nucor’s expansion will include the construction of an air separation unit (ASU) for the purpose of supplying industrial gases to the mill’s steelmaking operations. When complete, the ASU will be operated by UIG, LLC, a Nucor wholly owned subsidiary that specializes in industrial gas supply and services. This project will allow Nucor – through UIG, LLC – to produce and supply all the gases needed for the steel mill from the new Nucor-owned facility, both now and into the future.
“Nucor acquired UIG, LLC in 2019 so that we would have the capability to design, build and operate our own air separation units, giving us an alternative to long-term service contracts with outside providers,” Nucor Steel Berkeley Vice President and General Manager Mike Lee said.
“We are proud of our company’s long-time partnership with the state of South Carolina, and we are excited to continue to invest in the state where Nucor first began operating nearly 60 years ago.”
The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Nucor team, including UIG, LLC, should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with costs related to this project.
Nucor Steel has invested $1.3 billion in Berkeley County over the past 26 years.
“Throughout its long history, Nucor has been a leading innovator within the steel industry,” Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said. “This latest expansion is further proof of the company’s ability to embrace new technologies to grow its operations and achieve greater efficiencies. Congratulations to Nucor, and we look forward to our continued partnership for many years to come.”
