The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Rolls of steel at ArcelorMittal at Calvert in Mobile County
February 10, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – Economic Developer Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth told the Alabama Gazette that news that ArcelorMittal, one of the world's leading steel producers, $1.2 billion investment to build an advanced manufacturing facility in Mobile County "will strengthen Alabama's position as a leader in modern steel production."
"Steelmaking in Alabama plays a vital role in the US manufacturing sector by supplying high-quality steel for the automotive, construction, and energy industries," Dr. Jones Wadsworth told the Gazette. "Our state's strategic location, skilled workforce, and investment in advanced manufacturing technology gives us a competitive advantage in the national supply chain. ArcelorMittal's new advanced manufacturing facility in Calvert strengthens Alabama's position as a leader in modern steel production, which enhances efficiency and sustainability while supporting domestic manufacturing growth. This $1.2 billion investment underscores the importance of innovation in maintaining the competitiveness of American industry."
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that ArcelorMittal will produce a specialty electrical steel that's used in EV motors and other applications at their Calvert plant.
"Iron and steel manufacturing put Alabama on the map as a key industrial leader more than a century ago," said Gov. Ivey. "Today, ArcelorMittal's $1.2 billion investment strengthens Alabama's position as a leader in the steel industry. While creating over 200 new jobs, this project will also bring tremendous economic benefits to our state and underscores Alabama's commitment to supporting companies that drive progress and create opportunities for our citizens."
The project will create more than 200 jobs at ArcelorMittal Calvert, which will be capable of producing up to 150,000 metric tons of non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NOES) annually, depending on the product mix. The mill's output will support the automotive/mobility industry, renewable electricity production and other industrial and commercial uses of NOES, including electric motors, generators and specialized applications.
The facility, wholly owned by ArcelorMittal, will be built near ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel's existing joint venture in Alabama, the AM/NS Calvert steel mill in Mobile County.
ArcelorMittal said that the project promotes U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and addresses a crucial market need by reducing U.S. dependency on electrical steel imports through the expansion of domestic NOES production.
John Brett is the CEO of ArcelorMittal North America.
"We recognize the importance of creating a resilient, sustainable domestic supply chain for this critical material," said CEO Brett. "We also greatly appreciate the support the project has received and would like to recognize Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair, as well as the Mobile County Commission and the Mobile Chamber for their backing, which not only advances our mission but also fuels economic growth in the greater Mobile region."
"Alabama's steelmaking heritage is a bedrock of our industrial identity. This $1.2 billion investment represents next-generation innovation that will strengthen our state and nation's national security capabilities," said U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama). "Onshoring critical supply chains is imperative to fuel a powerful new era of Made in America excellence. I'm proud of how Alabamians continue to lead the way in furthering America's global manufacturing leadership."
Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL01) said, "I look forward to working with ArcelorMittal to support the incredible economic growth we're seeing in South Alabama."
Construction on the new facility is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with production anticipated to commence in 2027. In addition to the permanent positions at the facility, the project is expected to create up to 1,300 jobs during the construction phase.
Pete Leblank is the Chief Marketing Officer for ArcelorMittal North America.
"We're committed to meeting the growing demand for high-quality electrical steels while helping customers overcome their supply chain challenges," said Marketing Officer Leblanc. "The new plant will greatly enhance our capacity to support manufacturers by providing a steady domestic supply of high-quality NOES, enabling them to produce superior products and avoid material shortages, extended lead times and cost volatility associated with overseas supply chains."
The Trump's administration recent 25% tariff on foreign made iron and steel will only encourage more steel makers to site their production facilities in the United States.
ArcelorMittal said the production of NOES requires specialized technical expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities and rigorous quality control to meet stringent specifications for magnetic and mechanical performance.
The new ArcelorMittal Calvert plant include an annealing pickling line, cold-rolling mill, annealing coating line, packaging and slitter line and additional ancillary equipment needed for specialized electrical steel manufacturing operations.
Ellen McNair is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
"ArcelorMittal's growth project at Calvert will support the growth of critical industries like electric vehicles and energy-efficient technologies while creating high-quality jobs for Alabamians," said Secretary McNair. "It's a shining example of how Alabama's business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to attract cutting-edge manufacturing projects."
Mobile area officials welcomed the new investment from a major employer within the region.
Former Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL01) is the President and CEO of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce.
"ArcelorMittal's decision to invest more than a billion dollars is driving job creation and innovation," said President Byrne. "This transformative project strengthens our local economy and reinforces Mobile County's role in the future of sustainable steel production and electric vehicle manufacturing."
Merceria Ludgood is the President of the Mobile County Commission.
"With this $1.2 billion capital investment, ArcelorMittal is creating new high-paying jobs and helping to position Mobile County as a leader in advanced manufacturing and sustainable technology," said Commission President Ludgood.
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