Nucor Plans $60 Million Decatur Expansion, 60 New Jobs

TL;DR: Nucor plans a $60 million expansion of its Decatur-area utility structures plant, adding 60 jobs with average annual wages above $87,000. The project will boost steel utility pole production and is eligible for state tax credits and workforce training support.

Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that Nucor Corp. plans a $60 million expansion of its Decatur-area operations, adding 60 jobs as utilities invest in the nation’s power grid.

The project will expand Nucor Towers & Structures in Morgan County. It will increase steel utility pole production and add outdoor storage space and an area for galvanizing inspections. Nucor considered other States before choosing Alabama, according to the Governor’s office.

Nucor’s separate announcement puts average annual wages for the new jobs above $87,000. The company said the project remains subject to regulatory and other approvals. The plant, which Nucor identifies as its Trinity facility beside Nucor Steel Decatur, began operating in September 2025.

“Nucor has been a valued partner in Alabama for many years, and its continued growth in Decatur demonstrates what is possible when innovative companies, a skilled workforce and supportive communities come together,” said Governor Ivey. “This $60 million investment will create new opportunities for hardworking Alabamians while strengthening the production of critical utility infrastructure that supports communities and businesses across our nation.”

Nucor Chairman and CEO Leon Topalian said the expansion will help supply utilities working to upgrade the grid.

“Our continued growth in Alabama reflects Nucor’s longstanding commitment to the state and its communities,” Topalian said. “The expansion of our Towers & Structures production facility in Decatur will help us meet the strong demand from utilities across the country that are making significant investments to strengthen and modernize the nation’s power grid.

“We appreciate the support we have received from state and local officials in Alabama, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Morgan County Economic Development Authority and the Industrial Development Board of the City of Decatur,” Topalian continued.

Nucor employs more than 2,700 people in Alabama. Its operations in Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Fort Payne and Eufaula make steel, tubing, joists, decking and metal buildings.

Its Morgan County footprint includes Nucor Steel Decatur, Nucor Tubular Products and Nucor Towers & Structures. The utility structures plant was announced in 2023, the same year Nucor made a $280 million investment in its Tuscaloosa rolling mill.

“Nucor is the largest steel and steel-products manufacturer in North America and is a critical link in our nation’s manufacturing and construction supply chain,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “We are proud that Nucor has again chosen Alabama for an expansion, recognizing our commitment to providing the skilled workforce, infrastructure and community partners that will help it continue to succeed.”

The company is eligible for Jobs Act tax credits and assistance through Alabama Industrial Development Training. The Governor’s release did not state the value of that support or give a completion date.

State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), Chairman of the Morgan County Economic Development Association, credited the area’s workforce and business climate.

“Through its multiple expansions in Decatur, Nucor has shown the power of the Alabama worker,” Orr said. “Having a dedicated and skilled workforce combined with low taxes, low power rates and low regulation create a winning dynamic that other companies are discovering in north Alabama. Nucor knew that years ago and, as a consequence, continues to invest and grow in our business-friendly environment.”

Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence said the investment reflects Nucor’s confidence in the city’s future.

“Nucor has been a valued partner to our city, and we appreciate its continued confidence in our community and our workforce,” said Lawrence. “These 60 new jobs will strengthen our local economy and offer meaningful opportunities for Decatur families.”

Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long also welcomed the planned hiring.

“These are exactly the types of quality employment opportunities we work to attract to Morgan County,” said Long. “We have an outstanding workforce, and I am confident they will welcome the opportunity to be part of a successful and growing company like Nucor.”