A joint venture between Nucor and Yamato Kogyo Co (NYS) is installing a $75 million quench and self-tempering process to be utilised on its 1.4Mt of Mill 2 rolling capacity.
John Ferriola, chairman and CEO of Nucor Corporation was joined by the Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson to announce the investment at the NYS plant in Blytheville, Arkansas.
Nucor expects the project to be commissioned during the second half of 2016.
Upon completion, the process will enable NYS to produce ASTM A913 Grade 65 and Grade 70 structural sections with a high-strength, low-alloy grade chemistry that offers excellent weldability while achieving good toughness at low temperatures, claims Nucor.
Common applications for the material will include gravity columns for use in high-rise buildings, long-span trusses for projects such as convention centres or stadiums, and for all projects where seismic design is a critical factor, claims Nucor.
According to the company, the higher strength achieved from A913 will allow lighter foot weights to be specified, which reduces the overall weight and material cost for the owner, making steel even more competitive when compared with concrete and wood.
"This strategic investment will keep Nucor-Yamato Steel the market leader in the wide-flange beam market servicing our customers across the United States," said Ferriola.
"The A913 market is a strategic part of the future of our company and will ensure we continue to meet and exceed our customers' needs and requirements. Additionally, this investment will enable Nucor-Yamato, its more than 900 teammates and families, and supply chain to remain a vibrant part of Northeast Arkansas today and well into the future."
Arkansas’ Governor Hutchinson said he was excited that Nucor was making such a significant investment in the state, claiming that the steel giant had been an important part of the Arkansas economy for almost three decades.
"This investment shows their continued commitment to our state," he said.