"We are very excited to be building this new tower production plant in Alabama, where Nucor has a long history and presence throughout the state," said Nucor chairman, president and chief executive officer Leon Topalian. "As America's most diverse industrial manufacturer of steel products, we will be able to efficiently supply this new plant, helping to ensure that our nation's critical energy and digital infrastructure is built with the cleanest, most sustainable steel in the world."

The plant is part of a US$270 million investment meant to expand towers and structures business, which it started last year through its acquisition of Summit Utility Structures LLC, a producer of metal poles and other steel structures for utility infrastructure. 

The investment provides for both the Decatur plant and a second to be built somewhere in the Midwest. Nucor said it is continuing to evaluate sites. 

Nucor said the Decatur plant will be highly automated and use efficient straight-line production. It also will be equipped with advanced hot-dip galvanizing capabilities.