Zekelman Industries Expands Inline Galvanized Tube Capacity

Zekelman Industries starts construction in December 2022 on its inline steel tube galvanizing factory in Blytheville, Arkansas. Similar to the company's most recent expansion in Rochelle, Illinois, this factory utilizes advanced manufacturing technology and a fully automated Matter warehouse system, the company says. This facility is said to be designed with high standards for safety, product quality and service.

When completed, the production lines will have an annual operating capacity exceeding 200,000 tons. The facility plans to produce tubes featuring Wheatland's ThunderCoat inline galvanized coating. The factory will also support the fence, solar and mechanical markets. Commissioning of the mills is expected to begin in late 2023.

"Beyond epanding our current capacity, this new factory enables our Wheatland Tube brand to bring new products and services to the market," says Barry Zekelman, chairman and CEO. "Our goal is to lead the industry with continued investments in our factories, teammates and communities. Together, these investments improve on the leading service levels our customers already experience and the flexibility that will benefit high-growth industries such as utility scale solar."

This is Zekelman Industries' third major investment in Arkansas, having recently commissioned its Jumbo HSS mill there in early 2022. The Wheatland facility is set to share a campus with Zekelman's existing Atlas Tube operations in Blytheville, a growing industrial sector in northeast Arkansas that also offers access to domestic steel production and multiple transportation options.

"We've been working with the state of Arkansas and Mississippi County since 2007. Our collective vision is delivering real economic opportunity in Arkansas," explains Tom Muth, executive vice president and COO. "We are excited to see the local community grow and look forward to our continued partnership."

The company expects to begin recruiting activities ahead of commissioning, planning to hire 80 employees to support initial operations.