"This new galvanizing line, coupled with our new specialty cold mill complex, will allow us to efficiently produce products beyond the capability of any North American mill, and to have the flexibility to meet current and future demand for advanced high-strength steel products," said Nucor chairman and chief executive John Ferriola. 

"At Nucor Steel Arkansas, we are building one of the most modern and efficient steel mills in the world,” he said. 

Set for completion in the first half of 2021, the new line is being designed with a capacity of 500,000 tons annually. The cold mill is to come on-line in the first half of 2019. 

Nucor said it is thinking about installing additional galvanizing lines at its other sheet mills as part of its initiative to expand its sheet business, it said.