According to SMS group, the first coiled was processed in September, marking the start of production. SMS group delivered the complete line and was responsible for engineering, process technology, furnace technology, pickling and galvanizing technology, as well as electrical and automation systems. 

SMS group said the line features a U-shape design and utilizes its “heat-to-coat” technology. It is capable of producing 500,000 tons of galvanized hot strip per year, with a maximum capacity of 180 tons per hour and a large strip cross-section (up to 6.35 mm thickness and up to 1,854 mm width). The line also features a turbulence pickling system, high-power inductive heating system, FOEN® galvanizing equipment and Drever after-pot cooling system.

Nucor announced plans for the US$176 million line in 2017, saying that the investment would allow it to enter segments of the automotive market that it did not serve. 

"We have been growing our share of the automotive market and this project will help us continue that trend. In addition, this line will fully satisfy a key need in the marketplace for high-quality, hot-rolled galvanized steel," Nucor chief executive John Ferriola said at the time.