“Metals is an ever-growing sector in Kentucky and one that touches every other industry,” Beshear said in a statement.  

“North American Stainless is the largest producer of stainless steel in the United States, and I’m excited to join them in celebrating this great milestone. I want to thank NAS leadership for continuing to put their faith in the commonwealth and our talented workforce. The company has grown at an incredible rate, and I look forward to seeing that growth continue in the coming years.”

A part of Spain’s Acerinox, North American Stainless last year announced plans to install a new cold rolling mill, roll grinders and temper mill. It also is undertaking and extensive upgrade of its annealing and picking lines to support the new rolling mill and expanding the meltshop building.

According to a company representative, all of the major equipment for the expansion — a meltshop crane, the cold rolling mill, roll grinders and skinpass mill — has been ordered and is being fabricated.

“Building foundation construction is underway for the meltshop building expansion. Excavation for the cold rolling mill foundations is underway. Also, site preparation for the skinpass mill has been completed,” the representative said.

The project is to be completed in 2025.