Service Centers

Nova Steel to Open Tube Manufacturing Plant in Kentucky
Written by Sandy Williams
October 30, 2020
Canadian steel processor Nova Steel plans to open a new tube manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Ky. The $70 million project was announced Thursday and includes an initial investment of more than $20 million for the acquisition of a 108,000-square-foot building in the Kentucky Transpark and the purchase and installation of equipment. The plant will bring 50 new jobs to the region.
Two future expansions, planned within the next five years, will grow the operation to 325,000 square feet and more than double the number of jobs to 110. The Nova Steel facility will include roll forming, tube lasers, tube bending and fabrication, robotics, and a steel service center serving automotive suppliers within the south central region of the United States.
“We are very excited to be growing our company in the state of Kentucky and want to thank all those who have worked to help us reach this important milestone,” said Tom Stearns, corporate vice president of Nova Steel. “The new facility will produce a variety of automotive parts used in the production of pickup trucks and SUVs. We believe that Bowling Green is the ideal location to achieve our growth plans and look forward to a long and successful relationship with the community.”
To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The agreement can provide up to $2 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $70 million and meeting targets of creating and maintaining 110 full-time jobs at an average hourly wage of $31 over the next 10 years. Achieving its annual targets will allow the company to keep a portion of the tax revenue it generates. Another $500,000 in tax incentives has been approved by the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act.
“Our state’s primary metals industry continues to thrive despite the challenging economic climate. This significant investment by Nova Steel promises to bring over 100 well-paying jobs for Kentucky families in and around Bowling Green,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Team Kentucky is working to create a better future for all Kentuckians with quality job opportunities offering strong wages. Companies like Nova Steel are central to that effort, and we thank Nova Steel for its commitment to the commonwealth and our talented workforce.”

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Service Centers

Olympic taps Zito for new VP of development role
Cleveland-based Olympic Steel Inc. has promoted Scott M. Zito to the newly created role of vice president of business development. Zito has been with the company for more than 40 years.

Worthington Steel and Samuel to close Cleveland coil processing JV
Worthington Steel confirmed it is closing the Worthington Samuel Coil Processing (WSCP) facility in Cleveland. WSCP is a joint venture between Worthington Steel and Oakville, Ontario-based Samuel, Son & Co.

Galvanized buyers brace for market shifts amid rising tariffs
One buyer summed up the prevailing sentiment: “Everything is pointing up — pricing, sentiment, order activity. But the real test will come once the immediate reactionary buying subsides. Will there be enough true demand to support these levels through mid-year? That’s the big unknown.”

Olympic Steel sees increased line pipe jobs while lead times jump on Trump tariffs threats
Olympic Steel has seen jobs for line pipe jump in recent weeks as the Trump administration has talked up fossil fuel production, which is good news for hot-rolled coil producers. Meanwhile, tariff talk has lengthened lead times, Olympic executives said.

Ryerson swung to loss in ’24, but saw fortunes improve over the last month
Ryerson swung to a loss in the fourth quarter, but has seen a turnaround in the last 30 days.