Plans for a major new steel manufacturing facility in Lee County were announced Monday.
President Donald Trump joined representatives of Mesabi Metallics in announcing the planned $15 billion investment in southeast Iowa. According to information released with the announcement, the project is expected to create approximately 5,000 to 6,000 construction jobs and 1,750 permanent jobs, with steel production targeted to begin in 2030.
The specific location of the facility within Lee County has not yet been publicly announced.
KILJ reached out to Lee County Economic Development Group for additional information about the project, including its location, timeline, workforce and infrastructure needs, and the work that has gone into bringing the project to Lee County.
Emily Benjamin, President and CEO of Lee County Economic Development Group, responded Monday with a statement.
“Today is a great day for eastern Iowa. A $15 billion investment with more than 6,000 construction jobs and 1,750 permanent jobs would be transformational for our region, and we congratulate Mesabi Metallics on today’s announcement,” Benjamin said.
As for where in Lee County the facility would be located, Benjamin said that information will come from the company.
“Details like the location are the company’s to share, and we look forward to saying more when the time is right,” Benjamin said.
No additional details about the specific site were provided.
KILJ will continue following the project and provide additional local information as it becomes available.