Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/204b5d095de8fa17476f9374955fffe3.jpg)
Nucor's Topalian to Speak During Virtual Steel Summit
Written by Sandy Williams
July 29, 2020
Nucor President and CEO Leon Topalian has had quite the year, taking the reins of Nucor in January and then steering the company through the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike Nucor’s blast furnace competitors, the EAF-based steelmaker was able to continue operations relatively unabated during the past two quarters.
“Our ability to continue operating, along with proactive engagement with our customers, has enabled us to grow our businesses with existing customers, as well as develop new customer relationships,” said Topalian during second-quarter earnings comments. “I don’t want to return to pre-COVID operating or performance levels. I want us to continue to focus on the things that we’ve been able to do over the last five months that will be a part of our business as we move forward.”
Among that focus is a number of ongoing projects including the Brandenburg plate mill, expansion and modernization of the Gallatin mill and gaining automotive market share.
“With regard to automotive, while we’re not GM’s, or Ford’s, or BMW’s, or Mercedes’ Tier 1 biggest supplier, we are working every day to be their best supplier…. So, even though autos will be down this year and probably for the next year in terms of pre-COVID levels, our share of that opportunity is going to grow.”
Topalian is among the CEOs slated to speak at the SMU Steel Summit 2020. Register here to join your peers for the Aug. 24-26 virtual conference.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/sandy-williams.jpeg)
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/coils2.png)
US steel imports slipped in August after rising in July
July represents the second-lowest monthly rate for steel imports so far this year.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/oil_drill.png)
Rig count update: US count eases, Canada’s flat
Oil and gas drilling activity in the US edged lower last week, while the Canadian rig count held steady at a six-month high.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/HRC-Futures.png)
HR futures: Trade case action official – It was already priced in?!
This month’s column on the markets could be a response to the question of last month, “Are the forward curve prices on Aug. 7 high enough to price in trade case risks?" The market’s answer has been a pretty resounding YES so far, I think.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/cropped-SMU_Mobile_final.png)
SMU survey: Lead times edge higher for sheet
Current steel mill lead time averages are a few days longer than levels seen one month prior, but remain near historical lows for both sheet and plate products.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hybar-logo.jpg)
Steel Summit 2024: Hybar CEO accelerating growth plans for US steel market
Hybar CEO David Stickler and SMU Managing Editor Michael Cowden shared a candid conversation about Hybar's ambitious plans on Tuesday morning at the SMU Steel Summit, held in Atlanta this week.