Tag: Manufacturing

Nucor plans to invest $105 million to expand production at its utility towers and structures plant in Crawfordsville, Ind.

SMU’s latest Flat-Rolled Steel Survey points to largely stable demand, but foreign steel orders have softened since the previous survey, and service centers continue to report stronger activity than manufacturers.

The latest Manufacturing PMI Report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) shows the US manufacturing sector experienced growth in September, albeit at a slightly lower pace than in the month before.

Farming equipment manufacturer John Deere announced it will call back more than 375 employees to work across its Quad Cities factory operations.

The Greenbrier Companies received orders for 3,400 new railcars with an aggregate value of ~$600 million during its fiscal fourth quarter ended Aug. 31.

Worthington Enterprises reported higher fiscal first-quarter sales and earnings while citing rapidly growing data center demand and continued tightness in the steel market.

Metalformers’ optimism softened in the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) September Business Conditions Report.

SMU’s latest Flat-Rolled Steel Buyers Survey shows that in a tight US market marked by long lead times, low inventories, and rising prices, foreign products continue to gain the interest of domestic buyers.

Kibar Americas said production has started at its aluminum plant in Fairmont, W.Va., where it will manufacture products for the HVAC, packaging, automotive and industrial sectors.

The phrase “Fortress North America” seems to resurface anytime US, Canada, and Mexico trade negotiations roll around. The idea of an economic Fortress North America burst onto the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the lead up to NAFTA. In theory...

Manufacturing activity in New York state continued to expand in September, but at a slower pace than in August, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s latest Empire State Manufacturing Survey.

Manufacturing picked up across 10 of the 12 Federal Reserve districts. It was again one of the stronger sectors in the Fed's Sept. 2 Beige Book report.

Vehicle affordability pressures are limiting growth in vehicle volumes, according to Mark Strand, deputy chief economist at Cox Automotive. SUVs, fleet activity, and aftermarket work could support steel demand, he told the audience last week at Steel Summit 2026 in Atlanta.

The latest ISM Manufacturing PMI registered 54.6% in August, according to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The reading was just one percentage point lower than in July.

The August Business Conditions Report issued by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) found that North American sentiment improved markedly in August. “While metalformers expressed growing caution in July, this month’s survey reflects a notable improvement in sentiment,” said Mark Getsay, PMA’s managing director. “The increase in companies expecting stronger economic activity and higher order volumes is an encouraging sign.”

“I think this will be a year of economic growth,” the economist said in his Sylvester Stallone-themed keynote discussion at the SMU Steel Summit this week in Atlanta. He estimates real GDP growth of about 2.0-2.3%.

Barry Zekelman supports durable, predictable steel trade protection—and the Section 232 tariffs in particular—as a foundation for reinvestment in domestic manufacturing capacity.

Ryerson's CEO says US reshoring remains in its early stages, despite rising investment in manufacturing capacity.

Foreign steel remains sharply competitive, inventory levels are mostly steady, and demand is strengthening, according to SMU's Aug. 7 market survey. But buyers are more selective than earlier in the year, even as pricing momentum continues to push spot levels higher.

Ford Motor Co. announced it will reshore production of Lincoln-brand vehicles as part of its commitment to American manufacturing. The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said it will phase out the importation of vehicles from China for the US market and increase domestic Lincoln production starting in 2030.

The investment in St. Joe, Ind., will add capabilities to produce steel grating products. The Charlotte, N.C.-based steel company expects the investment to create 20 new full-time jobs. Those are in addition to the over 300 workers currently employed there.

Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events. We are sharing a selection of the comments we received below, in each buyer’s own words.

The announcements affect two established US commercial vehicle production sites.

Recent conversations with some hot-rolled coil spot market participants revealed spiking stress levels amidst a tightening supply of the steel sheet product.

The US manufacturing sector picked up steam in July, with the Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing PMI rising 2.3 points in July.

PMA found the metalforming sector remains broadly stable but is becoming more cautious in its July Business Conditions Report.

Reliance Inc said that US government industrial policies contributed to its second-quarter financial success.

Despite persistent pricing uncertainty, the Fed's latest Beige Book reported that the US economy continued to expand at a modest pace with labor market conditions improving.

SMU’s July 10 Flat-Rolled Steel Survey results paint a picture of a steel market being squeezed from every direction. Tariffs are holding prices up and giving mills a clear advantage, while manufacturers and traders say the policy is pushing their costs higher.

Toyota Motor North America plans to invest $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio manufacturing campus.