According to an announcement on Wednesday, Nucor said the investment will include a new reheat furnace, a new intermediate mill, and coil inspection and trimming station. The project is meant to improve surface quality and reduce decarburization, requirements of high-end engineered bar for automotive applications, Nucor said.  

“The upgrades we are making to our engineered bar mill in Nebraska are part of our efforts to continue to grow the number of tons we sell to the automotive market,” said Nucor president and chief executive Leon Topalian.  

“This investment is part of our greater commercial strategy to align our product mix with current and future demand of our customers and will reinforce Nucor as a leader in engineered bar and rod.”

Nucor said the project also will include safety enhancements that will allow people on the shop floor to do their work away from the rolling process. The project is to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022.