Steel Dynamics Inc. is expanding its Columbus operations by adding a new galvanizing line and upgrading existing equipment to increase higher-margin production capability.
This announcement represents an investment of at least $200 million and creates 45 jobs over three years at its Columbus Flat Roll Division. After the announcement Governor Bryant stated that the Columbus area will greatly benefit from this new investment.
“Steel Dynamics’ continued investment in its Columbus operations plays an important role in strengthening the local community and providing hundreds of good-paying jobs to the people of Lowndes County. The Golden Triangle region is a strong manufacturing hub with a skilled workforce, which provides companies with ample opportunities for growth,” Governor Phil Bryant said.
Steel Dynamics Columbus Flat Roll Division produces sheet metal products consisting of hot roll, cold roll and coated steel products. The company’s investment consists of $90-100 million to upgrade certain process lines and hot strip mill capability and $140 million for the construction of a new galvanizing facility. The new galvanizing line will have an annual coating capability of 400,000 tons and will be the company’s third galvanizing line at its Columbus Flat Roll Division. In 2017, SDI added a paint line and Galvalume capabilities at the plant, a $100 million investment creating more than 40 jobs.
“We are appreciative and impressed by the continued support we have received from the state and local organizations of Mississippi,” said President and CEO Mark Millett. “We are grateful to Governor Phil Bryant for taking a personal interest in our project. For their generous support, we also thank executive director Glenn McCullough and the staff of the Mississippi Development Authority, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Tennessee Valley Authority.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for public rail construction and concrete paving. Lowndes County is providing assistance for rail construction and sanitary sewer improvements.
“MDA salutes the SDI team for its strong commitment to Mississippians throughout the Golden Triangle region, creating exciting new career opportunities and investing in the future of its Columbus plant,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “MDA’s teamwork with East Mississippi Community College, the Golden Triangle Development LINK and Lowndes County was instrumental in bringing SDI’s expansion to our state.”
Construction on SDI’s expansion will take place over the next two years, with operations expected to begin in 2020. SDI currently employs 740 workers in Columbus.
