08-13-2026 Gov. Braun Announces $59M Investment in Vulcraft Division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Gov. Braun Announces $59M Investment in Vulcraft Division

ST. JOE, Ind. - Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced today that Vulcraft, a division of Nucor Corporation, will expand its steel manufacturing operations in DeKalb County, creating up to 20 new, high-wage jobs by the end of 2027.

"Indiana's robust advanced manufacturing sector and our skilled talent pipeline make our state the perfect destination for Vulcraft's multi-million-dollar expansion," said Gov. Braun. "The company's expansion in northeast Indiana will contribute to a strong and growing regional economy while creating new, high-wage career opportunities that allow Hoosiers to prosper."

"Indiana manufacturing continues to grow thanks to companies like Vulcraft and its parent company, Nucor Corporation, which are creating jobs across the state," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. "This significant investment in Vulcraft's operations will continue to propel innovation and excellence in Indiana manufacturing, putting Hoosiers at the forefront of producing critical products used around the country and across the world."

Vulcraft will invest more than $59 million to expand its existing manufacturing operations in St. Joe, constructing and equipping a new 127,000-square-foot facility on its 250-acre site. The increased space will allow Vulcraft to manufacture steel grating products, becoming one of four Vulcraft locations - two in Canada and one additional in the US - to offer these products, which are used for industrial flooring and stair treads. Vulcraft already manufactures steel joists and joist girders and steel decking in Indiana, making its northeast Indiana location a one-stop-shop for innovative and sustainable steel solutions.

Vulcraft, which employs more than 300 Hoosiers in northeast Indiana, plans to break ground on the new facility in the fourth quarter of this year. Once complete, the expansion will create up to 20 new jobs with average wages more than 150% of the DeKalb County average.

"We are pleased to be growing our Vulcraft business in Indiana with this investment to better serve our customers and strengthen our downstream production capabilities, advancing our mission to Grow the Core and Expand Beyond," said John Hollatz, Executive Vice President of Fabricated Construction Products at Vulcraft. "Vulcraft is where Nucor got its start in the steel industry, and it remains an important part of our growth today. We appreciate Governor Braun and state and local leaders for their support as we expand our manufacturing footprint in Indiana."

Today's news marks Nucor's fourth major investment in Indiana in recent years. In 2022, the company announced a $290 million modernization investment at its sheet mill operations in Crawfordsville, and, the following year, announced plans to locate a $115 million Towers & Structures facility nearby. Nucor also invested $28.5 million to build an insulated metal panel production facility, which began operations in 2021, in Waterlook next to its existing Nucor Building Systems Indiana campus. Together, along with Vulcraft's growth announced today, these expansions account for 300 new Hoosier jobs.

Vulcraft was founded in 1946 and launched operations in St. Joe in 1972. Today, the company is one of Nucor's 10 steel joist and deck operations in the US, providing solutions for industrial and construction projects worldwide. Nucor employs more than 2,600 teammates at more than a dozen locations in Indiana.