SDI increasing rail production capabilities, adding jobs

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (December 4, 2012) – Representatives of Steel Dynamics, Inc. (SDI) described in meetings with local officials today the company’s plans to add new rail production capabilities at the Structural Steel and Rail Division that will create approximately 40 new jobs by 2016.

The company’s plans include installation of a state-of-the-art heat-treating system that will be capable of producing up to 350,000 tons of standard length and head-hardened plain, carbon steel rails. The project will involve nearly $27 million in investments and follows nearly $20 million in previous investments in rail processing capabilities in recent years. The company plans to locally source much of the equipment. This investment will permit the Structural Steel and Rail Division to become the pre-eminent rail manufacturer in North America on what is considered to be an innovative and entrepreneurial project undertaken in response to feedback from several customers.

“On behalf of the Commissioners and County Council, we commend SDI for the company’s ongoing commitment to growth initiatives like this one,” said Whitley County Board of Commissioners chairman Don Amber, “Our local leaders will continue to work proactively to encourage the investment of companies like SDI in our community.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered SDI up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Whitley County today approved additional real and personal property tax abatement at the request of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.

SDI’s decision to expand rail production in Whitley County comes after production machining company Impact CNC LLC celebrated the opening of the company’s facility in Gateway Industrial Park and steel mill and foundry feedstock processing company Indiana Materials Processing LLC announced plans to establish a facility at “Certified Site Ready” Rail Connect Business Park earlier this fall.

Steel Dynamics, Inc.
Steel Dynamics, Inc. is one of the largest domestic steel producers and metals recyclers in the United States based on estimated annual steelmaking and metals recycling capability, with annual sales of $8.0 billion in 2011, over 6,500 employees, and manufacturing facilities primarily located throughout the United States (including five steel mills, six steel processing facilities, two iron production facilities, over 70 metals recycling locations and six steel fabrication plants).

About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.

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Media Contacts:
Don Amber (Whitley County) – 260.248.3130 or damber@whitleygov.com
Alan Tio (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 or atio@whitleyedc.com

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