Hybar Steel in Osceola, led by CEO Dave Stickler, is “actively contemplating building two more mills,” at least one of which could be in Arkansas.
In a recent interview with Arkansas Business, Stickler said the $700 million rebar mill, along with an on-site solar field and port facility along the Mississippi River, is on track to be completed and producing steel by May. The project totals a $1 billion investment in northeast Arkansas.
“We have had great reception from the rebar buying community, so much so that we’re looking at expansion opportunities already,” Stickler said. “We will be producing steel in May of this year, a few short months away. After we get that started up, we’re going to be actively looking and considering our next two mills, one of which may be in Arkansas.”
But there’s still a looming issue. Changing federal policies and tariffs create challenges for expansion. Stickler said Hybar is “unlikely” to move forward with either of the new investments without “clarity” on federal policies, which he is expecting over the summer or early in the fall.
“We’re continuing to evaluate our investment plans,” Stickler said. “We certainly have not shelved any investment plans, and depending on what the final outcome is, we may actually accelerate our investment plan. We’re definitely watching.”
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