Newsworthy

Metals

Hyundai moves forward on Louisiana EAF mill

Plans are moving ahead for the construction of an electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mill in Louisiana that will be operated by the Hyundai Steel business unit of South Korean conglomerate Hyundai, which also operates the Hyundai Motor Co. assembly plants in the United States.

Hyundai Steel announced in March 2025 its intention to build an EAF mill in the U.S. with 2.7 million metric tons of annual capacity.

The company currently assembles Hyundai vehicles at sites in Montgomery, Alabama, and Kia-branded vehicles in West Point, Georgia, and imports considerable amounts of steel to supply those sites.

Several Louisiana media outlets have reported that the state government has purchased a 1,700-acre site in Ascension Parish for $91 million to host the planned $5.8 billion mill, citing a filing in the southern Louisiana parish (county) court.

Those same reports indicate the closing of that transaction by 2025 was a step in a process that might not see the EAF mill come online until 2030.

Hyundai also has agreed to purchase $650 million in steelmaking and direct-reduced iron (DRI) production equipment from Italy-based Danieli & C. S.p.A., according to a news release.

Danieli says it has been tapped with supplying the four production units that will turn iron ore into high-quality steel hot slabs, intended for the production of high-value-added materials essential for supplying Hyundai Motors’ existing facilities in the country.

Technologies comprising the transaction include an Energiron DRI plant, two EAFs with related secondary metallurgy, two thick slab casters and two slab reheating furnaces. The DRI plant to be deployed was developed jointly with fellow Italian company Tenova S.p.A.

Like earlier announcements about the planned mill complex, the Danieli news release does not mention the potential use of scrap at the Louisiana complex, though EAFs typically consume recycled steel.

The Hyundai project in Louisiana gained additional attention this week when Business Facilities magazine awarded the project as its Platinum Award winner for 2025.

“Louisiana is a force in the industries that power America’s economy,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry says. “Our workforce, our business climate and our commitment to growth are giving companies every reason to invest here with confidence.”

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Personnel

Sierra transitions its leadership

As part of the Sacco family’s long-term strategic plan, Sierra International Machinery has announced John Sacco’s retirement from the company. Phil Sacco II (little Phil) assumed the role of president and CEO Jan. 1 and is the third generation of the Sacco family to lead the company.

As part of this transition, John Sacco has sold his shares in the business to his nephew.

“After 40 years of total commitment, it’s time for me to step back and enjoy my family and other life interests to the fullest,” John Sacco says. “I am grateful for all the support over the years from my family, customers, friends and the dedicated team at Sierra. I’m excited for the next chapter in my life and all the adventures that lie ahead. The time is right, and I know that little Phil is well-prepared for his new role.”

Phil Sacco II has been working toward this goal for years, having been mentored by his grandfather and company founder, Ben Sacco; his uncle, John Sacco; and his father, Philip Sacco Sr. He has worked in many capacities across the company to develop a deep understanding of its operations.

Philip Sacco Sr. continues to be involved in the company and retains his ownership interest.

To support the transition, John Sacco will remain active in the company for the next year, focusing on mentoring the leadership team and supporting continuity across the organization.

“Sierra’s strength has always come from consistency, trust and long-term relationships. That foundation remains unchanged,” Phil Sacco II says.

“We are committed to honoring the company’s legacy while continuing to serve our customers and grow Sierra for the future. I would like to thank my uncle for his years of leadership and for entrusting me with the future of our great family business. I have learned countless invaluable lessons about life and business from him; he has helped shape me into the man I am today.”

Sierra International Machinery is based in Bakersfield, California, and operates facilities in Jessup, Georgia, and Hackensack, New Jersey, with sales offices across the United States, Canada and South and Latin America. The company has a product range that includes scrap metal shears, balers, shear/baler/loggers and two-ram balers.