What began with the purchase of a bankrupt steel mill along the Tennessee River nearly 25 years ago has grown into a major manufacturing presence in Morgan County, and Nucor Corporation is investing another $60 million in its future.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that the steel manufacturer will expand its Nucor Towers & Structures operation, adding 60 jobs and increasing production of steel utility poles used in electric transmission infrastructure across the country.

The project will expand utility pole production capacity and add space for material storage, staging and galvanizing inspection as utilities nationwide invest in strengthening and modernizing the power grid.

Nucor considered locations in other states before choosing to expand its Morgan County operation, according to the governor’s office.

“Our continued growth in Alabama reflects Nucor’s longstanding commitment to the state and its communities,” said Nucor Chair and CEO Leon Topalian. “The expansion of our Towers & Structures production facility in Decatur will help us meet the strong demand from utilities across the country that are making significant investments to strengthen and modernize the nation’s power grid.”

The latest investment continues a relationship between Nucor and Morgan County that dates to 2002, when the company acquired the former Trico Steel mill in Decatur.

Nucor began operating the mill under its ownership in 2004, establishing a foothold in the region’s steel industry that has since expanded into several distinct manufacturing operations.

Today, the company’s Morgan County presence includes Nucor Steel Decatur, Nucor Tubular Products and Nucor Towers & Structures, the latter announced in 2023 as the company moved into manufacturing steel structures for electrical transmission and other utility infrastructure.

The new $60 million project represents another expansion of that newer business, just three years after its introduction to Morgan County.

The earlier investment was substantial. In 2023, 256 Today reported that Nucor planned to invest $125 million and create 200 jobs at the new Towers & Structures facility.

At the time, the company said the positions would carry an average annual salary of $75,000 and would be filled over four years. The facility was planned adjacent to Nucor’s existing Decatur sheet steel mill, with automated production and galvanizing capabilities.

With Tuesday’s announcement, Nucor’s announced investment in the Towers & Structures operation has reached approximately $185 million, with 260 jobs associated with the two projects.

The latest expansion also reflects growing demand for equipment needed to maintain and upgrade the nation’s electrical infrastructure.

“Nucor has been a valued partner in Alabama for many years, and its continued growth in Decatur demonstrates what is possible when innovative companies, a skilled workforce and supportive communities come together,” Ivey said. “This $60 million investment will create new opportunities for hardworking Alabamians while strengthening the production of critical utility infrastructure that supports communities and businesses across our nation.”

Nucor employs more than 2,700 people across Alabama, with additional operations in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Fort Payne and Eufaula.

State Sen. Arthur Orr, who chairs the Morgan County Economic Development Association, pointed to the company’s history of expanding its operations in Decatur.

“Through its multiple expansions in Decatur, Nucor has shown the power of the Alabama worker,” Orr said. “Having a dedicated and skilled workforce combined with low taxes, low power rates and low regulation create a winning dynamic that other companies are discovering in north Alabama. Nucor knew that years ago and, as a consequence, continues to invest and grow in our business-friendly environment.”

Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence said the additional jobs would benefit local families.

“Nucor has been a valued partner to our city, and we appreciate its continued confidence in our community and our workforce,” Lawrence said. “These 60 new jobs will strengthen our local economy and offer meaningful opportunities for Decatur families.”

The company is eligible for state incentives through Alabama’s Jobs Act and workforce training assistance from Alabama Industrial Development Training.

For Morgan County, the announcement marks another chapter in Nucor’s nearly quarter-century presence, from the acquisition of a struggling steel mill to a growing collection of manufacturing operations serving the nation’s construction, steel and electrical infrastructure industries.

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