By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

GRAMERCY – The nation’s largest steel manufacturer officially announced plans today to bring a multi-phase iron and steel production facility to St. James Parish that could eventually employ as many as 1,250 workers.

Surrounded by local and state leaders, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Nucor Corp. has decided to construct its five-phase $3.5 billion complex on a 4,000-acre site in the Convent community. He said the first phase, a $750 million direct reduced iron facility, could begin construction early next year.

“This is one of the largest economic wins in our state’s history,” Jindal said. “I can assure you that Nucor will not regret their investment in our state.”

Jindal said the direct reduced iron facility would add 150 permanent jobs in addition to 500 construction jobs. He added that at the end of the five phases, the facility would add 1,250 direct jobs and another 4,800 indirect jobs to the local economy.

“These are good jobs that will go to local people,” said Nucor Chief Operating Officer John Ferriola. “I am proud and excited that they are going to American workers.”

Jindal said state economists estimate that the facility could generate more than $500,000 in tax revenues. He said the average salary for the direct jobs would be as much as $75,000 plus benefits.

“With this investment, Nucor has told us that Louisiana is the best place in the world to build this facility,” Jindal said. “This is another big step in my goal for a new Louisiana where our children and grandchildren will be proud to live and work.”

Nucor initially planned to construct a pig-iron manufacturing facility, but uncertainty surrounding new federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions prompted officials to hold off on that project. Ferriola said the pig-iron plant would eventually be the third phase in the five-phase project, which would culminate in construction of a steel mill.

Ferriola said he hopes to see a groundbreaking on the direct reduced iron facility early next year. He said the project would take about two years to complete.