According to a recent presentation by Nucor’s President and CEO John Ferriola, Nucor is contemplating a second direct-reduced iron (DRI) facility in Louisiana. The present Louisiana facility produces about 2.5 million tons of DRI annually and began operations in December 2013.
A Nucor press release in 2011 stated a plan for the first facility to expand to a second facility should the market environment warrant the investment. The initial construction permit obtained in 2011 allows for the construction and operation of two plants with a combined annual direct reduced iron (DRI) production of 5,500,000 tons.
Nucor is also considering a possible West coast flat-rolled mill, although Ferriola did not elaborate if the consideration includes possible acquisitions.