London, March 29, 2023

Nucor Steel Berkeley selects Primetals Technologies for new galvanizing line

• Designed for an annual production capacity of 500,000 tons
• Supports shift to higher-margin value-added products
• First coil scheduled for mid-2025

Nucor Steel Berkeley, a sheet mill division of U.S.-based steel producer Nucor Corporation, has placed an order with Primetals Technologies for a new, automotive-grade continuous galvanizing line (CGL). The CGL will be implemented at Nucor’s facility located in Huger, South Carolina. Nucor Corporation is North America’s largest steel producer and is the largest recycler of any material in the Americas.

Advanced technology

Nucor Steel Berkeley will have one of the most advanced CGLs in the Western Hemisphere. With an annual capacity of approximately 500,000 tons, the new line will increase the company’s galvanized production capacity and enable this location to produce advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) and other automotive products. The new equipment supports the company’s strategy to shift its product mix to higher-margin value-added items. Nucor Steel Berkeley expects to produce the first coil by mid-2025.

There were several factors behind Nucor’s selection decision. Primetals Technologies met all technical requirements and will, during the project execution phase, leverage the strengths of its global organization. Locally, skilled workers based in the Primetals Technologies service workshop in Huger will perform pre-assembly work on-site and will support installation and equipment modification.

Comprehensive solution

Primetals Technologies is responsible for engineering and the supply of a vertical galvanizing furnace with galvanneal capability, afterpot cooling, and quench technology. Primetals Technologies has partnered with Clecim, a leading heavy industry manufacturer, for the supply of key mechanical scope, including terminal equipment and special products. A complete automation package, including drives, furnace model, and advanced scheduling, as well as power solutions, including a new incoming substation, rounds off the scope of supply.

Six sheet steel mills

A leading North American producer of merchant bar, rebar, engineered bar, structural steel, carbon steel plate, and sheet steel products, Nucor Corporation operates six sheet steel mills in the U.S., and is currently in the process of adding a seventh sheet mill, which will be located in Mason County, West Virginia. These plants produce flat-rolled steel for the automotive, appliance, construction, pipe and tube, and several other industries and consumer applications. Currently, Nucor’s six operating sheet mills have an annual capacity of approximately 13.8 million tons per year.

Nucor Steel Berkeley has ordered a continuous galvanizing line from Primetals Technologies for its steel plant in Huger, South Carolina.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.