SDI takes space in old GE building

Scrap-fed electric arc furnace (EAF) steel producer Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) has agreed to lease office space on the Electric Works campus in its headquarters city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Electric Works offers renovated space in former industrial buildings, many of which were first built and occupied by General Electric in 1917.

According to Electric Works, SDI will be leasing “office and collaboration space” in Building 19 of the self-described “mixed-use innovation district.” Electric Works, overall, sits on 39 acres and consists of 18 buildings and more than 1.2 million square feet of space. It formerly housed GE electric motors and transformers fabrication operations.

SDI Chair, President and CEO Mark D. Millett says, “Since our founding in 1993, our leadership team has been deeply committed to our community and to our people. At Electric Works, we will be part of a bold economic development initiative that provides the right place to attract and develop talent with the drive, innovation and dedication that propels Steel Dynamics to the highest standard of operational and financial performance.”

SDI's fabrication business, New Millennium Building Systems, will be the primary occupant and will be adding new engineering technology positions and relocating existing positions from the company’s other locations throughout the United States, says Electric Works. New Millennium plans to occupy the new space in the first quarter of next year.

“Steel Dynamics is important to Fort Wayne and Indiana,” says Jeff Kingsbury of Ancora Partners, the lead developer of Electric Works. “We’re honored that Electric Works will help support their continued innovation and growth.”