Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced the successful start-up of production at our direct reduced iron (DRI) facility in St. James Parish, Louisiana. Production of DRI began on Tuesday, December 24, and has continued at planned ramp-up levels since that time. The quality of material being produced in terms of both metallization and carbon content has improved very quickly. Within the first 24 hours of operation, output quality began matching the best-in-class levels we routinely achieve at our DRI plant that has been operating in Trinidad since 2006.
"We are very pleased to announce this important step in executing our raw materials strategy," said John Ferriola, Nucor's President and CEO. "I want to personally thank our team in St. James Parish for their commitment and perseverance working right through the holiday season in achieving this important success."
Nucor and affiliates are manufacturers of steel products, with operating facilities primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel -- in bars, beams, sheet and plate; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating and expanded metal; and wire and wire mesh. Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and HBI/DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler.
