Manufacturers/End Users
October 21, 2026
Written by Laura Miller
A steel supply constraint is affecting some production schedules at Nissan North America, the automaker confirmed to SMU.
The confirmation followed a Friday report by WLBT3 News that the shortage was affecting production at Nissan’s Canton, Miss., plant. SMU asked whether the issue was affecting other facilities.
Behlen Mfg. Co. announced the closure of its Behlen Building Systems manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Fla. The company cited high production costs in the Southeast US, higher material and freight costs, and its commitment to operating efficiently and remaining competitive. Behlen expects the closure to be completed by Dec. 18. A Florida WARN notification shows 55 employees will be affected. “This was a difficult decision, particularly because of the impact it will have on our employees in Sarasota,” said CEO Tom Boal in a statement. “We are grateful for the dedication, hard work, and contributions of our Sarasota team. While the decision to close a facility is never easy, we must continue making strategic decisions that strengthen our operations and position Behlen for long-term success.”
Nucor Corp. announced a $60 million investment to expand its Towers & Structures facility in Trinity, Ala., to increase production of steel poles and other structures for utility infrastructure. The Towers & Structures manufacturing facility, which began operating in September 2025, is adjacent to the Nucor Steel Decatur flat-rolled mill. The expansion will add production capacity, laydown space, and a dedicated galvanizing inspection area, the company said. "Utilities across the country are making significant investments to strengthen and modernize the nation's power grid," remarked Nucor Chair and CEO Leon Topalian. "By expanding our Trinity facility adjacent to our Decatur sheet mill, we can combine American-made steel with highly efficient manufacturing to better serve our utility customers and support their long-term infrastructure needs. “
Manufacturing activity improved in several Federal Reserve districts, but conditions remained mixed nationwide, according to the Fed’s Oct. 14 Beige Book report. Demand was strongest in steel, machinery, defense-related products, and data center infrastructure. Steel producers in the Cleveland District reported firm spot market demand. Data center, power-generation, defense, and aerospace projects supported orders. Long mill lead times kept customer inventories lean and prices high. Producers also reported higher orders from truck-trailer and light-vehicle manufacturers. International demand for hydrogen vehicle parts increased.
Sheet buyers found mills slightly more negotiable on price this week, while plate buyers thought mills were less flexible on spot price tags, according to our latest survey data. Every two weeks, SMU surveys service center and manufacturer buyers to see whether mills will negotiate on new spot sheet and plate orders. In this week’s survey, 14% of respondents said mills were willing to talk price to secure an order, up three percentage points from two weeks earlier (Figure 1). This is the highest reading since July 8, when the rate stood at 18%.