Nucor’s Darlington Steel Mill Announces $45 million Expansion

November 25, 2008

COLUMBIA and DARLINGTON, SC – November 25, 2008 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Darlington County Economic Development Partnership and Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced the company’s plans to invest $45 million over the next five years at its Nucor Steel South Carolina Steel Mill located at 300 Steel Mill Road in Darlington, South Carolina.  The project will include improvements to the existing steel mill facility such as upgraded equipment in the rolling mills and improvements to the scrap conveyor, alloy handling systems, ductwork, railroad tracks and cranes.  Further investments will be made through the expansion of the existing baghouse, the acquisition of land and growth in the mill’s special bar quality capabilities. 

Mike Gurley, Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel South Carolina, stated, “We are proud to be able to continue our improvement and expansion to our Darlington Steel Mill, which is due primarily to the efforts of our dedicated employees and the support that we have received from the local community.” 

“It is important that Nucor continually reinvest in technology and modernization of their Darlington Mill to remain competitive,” said Billy Baldwin, Chairman, Darlington County Council.  “Nucor is an important member of our community, and Council looks forward to supporting this expansion.” 

“Nucor has been a strong and valued member of our state’s business community for nearly 40 years.  The company’s decision to further invest in our state demonstrates its commitment as a strong corporate citizen in South Carolina.  This announcement also serves as another sign that the state’s business-friendly climate is working to grow existing businesses.  Thanks to the team efforts of local and state officials, Darlington County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. 

“In the midst of the national economic situation, it is gratifying for Nucor to show their confidence in our community by announcing this investment in their Darlington Mill,” said Goz Segars, Chairman, Darlington County Economic Development Partnership.  “Existing industries are the backbone of our community, and we must continue to look for opportunities to support them.” 

The Darlington Mill produces concrete reinforcing bars, hot rolled bars, rod, light shapes, structural angles and channels utilizing 100 percent recycled steel.  These products have a wide usage serving primarily the agricultural, automotive, construction, energy, furniture, machinery, metal building, railroad, recreational equipment, shipbuilding, heavy truck and trailer market segment.  Nucor was selected as the South Carolina Recycler of the Year in 2007.


About Nucor 

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Nucor makes more steel in America than any other company.  Nucor and affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada.  Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel — in bars, beams, sheet and plate; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; light gauge steel framing; steel grating and expanded metal; and wire and wire mesh.  Nucor also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and HBI/DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap.  Nucor is North America’s largest recycler.