A major steel manufacturer with operations in north Mobile County has announced a $500 million expansion that is expected to bring 300 permanent jobs to the area. AM/NS Calvert, the joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel Corporation that operates a sprawling processing plant along the Tombigbee River in Calvert, revealed plans to construct a new Electric Arc Furnace steel-making facility on its existing property.
The project, which will also support as many as 500 construction jobs over roughly 24 months, marks one of the largest single investments in Mobile County in recent years. According to information released through the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, the new furnace will allow the plant to produce its own steel slabs rather than relying entirely on slabs shipped in from outside sources, a shift that industry officials say will make the facility more competitive and self-sufficient.
Once operational, the Electric Arc Furnace is expected to be capable of producing 1.5 million metric tons of steel slabs annually, feeding the plant’s existing hot strip mill and supporting a wide range of steel grades used by AM/NS Calvert’s customers. Company officials describe the facility as one of the most technologically advanced steel finishing operations in the world, and say the new furnace will strengthen the plant’s position in the automotive and energy sectors, two of its primary end markets.
The Calvert facility has a long history of large-scale investment. It was originally built by German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp in 2010 as part of a $4 billion project, one of the largest industrial developments in Alabama history at the time. ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel Corporation acquired the plant in 2014 and have since poured more than $200 million into additional upgrades and strategic projects at the site.
AM/NS Calvert CEO Jorge Oliveira said the company had spent months evaluating the opportunity before committing to the new furnace. “We are very pleased to announce the addition of an Electric Arc Furnace at AM/NS Calvert,” Oliveira said. “For many months, we have discussed this opportunity and identified the need for our facility to offer our customers shorter lead times and order flexibility to compete with the mini-mills in our targeted markets. This investment is not only positive for our company but also for the community.”
Local and state leaders welcomed the announcement as a significant win for the region’s economy. Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood praised the company’s continued commitment to the area. “We are excited about the announcement of AM/NS Calvert,” Ludgood said. “This means good jobs and a significant investment in our county. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with one of our best corporate citizens.”
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said the expansion reflects the state’s broader efforts to attract and retain industrial employers. “One of Gov. Kay Ivey’s top priorities is helping companies grow and create jobs in the state, so we fully support the decision by AM/NS Calvert to significantly expand its steel making operations in Mobile County,” Canfield said. “This investment will enhance AM/NS Calvert’s competitive position and expand its capabilities while also delivering a massive economic impact on Alabama.”
The AM/NS Calvert plant has long been considered a cornerstone employer for north Mobile County, drawing workers from surrounding communities and supporting a network of local suppliers and contractors. The addition of 300 permanent positions, along with hundreds of temporary construction jobs during the build-out, is expected to provide a meaningful boost to the local economy over the next two years as the project moves forward.