New Steel Mill Taking Shape In Limestone County

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – We got our first look today at the that new steel mill that is under construction in Limestone County.  Carpenter Technologies will produce premium alloys for the aerospace, medical and energy industries.

Wednesday’s gathering of state and local officials was a progress report.  The CEO of Carpenter Technologies says the new facility is being constructed with an eye on the future.

Artist rendering of the new facility in Limestone County (Courtesy: Cartech.com)

“A big part of our vision is not just building this facility as it exists today, but having the ability to expand our operations as our business grows,” said Bill Wulfsohn, CEO.

Right now, the Limestone County facility is what’s growing.  On Tuesday night, the first of the concrete was poured for a portion of the building.  And nearby, workers are preparing a foundation in a 40-foot pit.  The facility is being built on Highway 31 near Calhoun Community College’s Decatur campus and Pryor Field Regional Airport.

“And what this is, the basement of the forge where all of the hydraulic equipment and other equipment is housed and then the forge will be built up at a higher level,” explained Ernie Jones, the plant manager.
 
Carpenter Technologies’ new plant will be the world’s largest forge when it’s finished.  That is scheduled for March of 2014.  The company expects to create some 250 jobs, and the help wanted sign is already out.
 
“We are already hiring. We’ve relocated our plant manager down here,” said Wulfsohn.  “We’ve hired a human resource director locally and we’re beginning the process of recruiting employees. We want to get them on board and trained so they can help to design the facility and make sure they understand the installation so we can get a quick start-up.”

You can apply online at cartech.com.