Blytheville
Zekelman Industries announced Tuesday that it will build the world’s largest continuous ERW tube mill in Blytheville on property next to its existing Atlas Tube mill.
The company expects to spend $150 million on the project and to hire 75 people, which will double to about 150 its workforce in that city.
The new mill will be Atlas Tube’s sixth mill in North America and its fifth in the United States.
The project represents the largest private investment in the U.S. steel industry in the last decade, enabling new domestic manufacturing capabilities, according to a news release.
The facility will be capable of producing hollow structural sections in square, rectangular and round shapes and in wide range of sizes. It will allow a full range of products to be made in the United States for the first time and with a larger maximum wall thickness than previously available, the release continues.
“We’re very excited to continue investing in a community we’ve proudly called home,” Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said. “Having two mills within close proximity of each other will only increase our organization’s efficiency. We look forward to starting construction of this groundbreaking facility.”
Tom Muth, president of Atlas Tube, also said, “We greatly appreciate the support we’ve received from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission over the years. The AEDC has worked closely with us to ensure immense success for the Blytheville community, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
AEDC does not have any signed incentives agreements yet, but expects the project to qualify for Tax Back and Create Rebate, spokesperson Brandi Hinkle told Arkansas Business.
“Arkansas has some of the most talented and dedicated steel workers in the country,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “Our quality workforce and low business costs make Arkansas stand out among other states as an attractive option for companies looking to expand.”
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