Nucor Steel Gallatin: Business is Thriving in Kentucky's I-71 Corridor

Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor, the New Raw Steel Capital of the United States, has so much to offer for businesses seeking to locate or expand in the region. Numerous strategic advantages of the area have made it possible for Nucor Steel Gallatin to thrive, including undertaking a major expansion.

Nucor Steel Gallatin was recently ranked the No. 1 company in the metals sector on Fortune Magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies by industry. And Katherine Miller from Nucor Steel Gallatin Corporate Communications shared that 2021 was an outstanding year and the most profitable and safest year in company history. “At the Gallatin mill, our team delivered exceptional results while working safely, taking care of our customers, and completing the $650 million expansion,” said Miller.

Why Nucor Steel Gallatin Chose Kentucky’s I-71 Corridor

Nucor Steel Gallatin chose to locate in the I-71 Corridor for several key reasons, explained Cathy Waddell, Nucor Steel Gallatin’s Controller. First, it provides easy access to a large population of steel customers, and steel processors. In addition, Waddell stated, “the midwest is a growing manufacturing region, and Nucor’s location allows us to be an active participant in this growth.” And lastly, access to and the reliability of  I-71 was important, because “it allows us to reach customers from inside a 250-mile radius in a timely manner,” said Waddell.

Advantages to Locating in Kentucky's I-71 Corridor

Superior Logistics 
Nucor Steel Gallatin has found many advantages to locating in North Central Kentucky. “Having access to I-71, major rail service, and the Ohio River allows us to ship by truck, rail, and barge, which gives Nucor a competitive advantage from a logistics standpoint,” shared Waddell.

Low Utility Costs
Utility costs in Central Kentucky are among the lowest in the country. Low energy costs were one of the specific reasons Nucor Steel Gallatin chose to locate their new steel plate mill in Brandenburg, Kentucky.

Strategic Location
Nucor Steel Gallatin has found the 1-71 Corridor location to provide a huge strategic advantage, because it makes it possible to effectively and efficiently receive steel scrap and materials from their supplier partners, and ship them to their customers. Proximity to the midwest is important as well.

Expansion Opportunities
Nucor Steel Gallatin is adding a second mill in Brandenburg, Kentucky. The new plate mill will have more than 400 full-time employees and be “one of the most advanced steel plate mills in the country,” stated Waddell. “The midwest is the largest plate steel consuming region in the country, and the same logistical advantages we enjoy at our Gallatin mill will benefit the new Brandenburg mill,” shared Waddell.

The company has also significantly expanded the Gallatin location, adding a new steel tube mill there. This $164 million project will add 70 full-time jobs. 

“Between the new galvanizing line, capacity expansion, and new tube mill at Gallatin, and the new steel plate mill in Brandenburg, Nucor is investing more than $3.5 billion in the state of Kentucky. This demonstrates the confidence we have in the business climate in Kentucky and the excellent transportation and energy resources in the state,” shared Waddell.

Partnership with KIEDA

Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance (KIEDA) has worked closely with Nucor Steel Gallatin to help them succeed and expand, and has continuously promoted a business-friendly climate. In addition, KIEDA has supported the development of a well-trained, highly engaged workforce through apprentice programs at area community and technical colleges. “Workforce training is essential for manufacturers, especially as the sector faces a wave of retirements,” stated Waddell.

“The competition for talent across all industries is intense. Workforce training gives people access to the well-paying jobs manufacturing companies can offer. With these programs, KIEDA is really benefiting Nucor, as well as the economy in Kentucky,” added Waddell.

What’s Next for Nucor Steel Gallatin

Nucor has plans to add a new steel tube mill at the Gallatin location. “This is a $164 million project that will add 70 full-time jobs. Between the new galvanizing line, capacity expansion, and new tube mill at Gallatin, and the new steel plate mill in Brandenburg, Nucor is investing more than $3.5 billion in the state of Kentucky. This demonstrates the confidence we have in the business climate in Kentucky and the excellent transportation and energy resources in the state,” explained Waddell. 

KIEDA is here to help!

Find out how the Kentucky I-71 Economic Development Alliance (KIEDA) can help your company thrive in the I-71 Corridor. Contact KIEDA today to learn more and join this rapidly growing community.