JSW Steel, India’s leading steel producer, has announced plans to invest up to US$500 million in the acquisition, modernization and expansion of Acero Junction Inc, an integrated steel manufacturing facility in Ohio, USA. The phased investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening its manufacturing footprint in the United States and will take JSW Steel’s overall investment blueprint for the American market to up to US$1 billion.
The investment will be implemented in two phases, with the objective of transforming the Ohio facility into a fully integrated steel manufacturing complex with a potential production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The facility was acquired as part of the recently completed acquisition of Acero Junction Holdings Inc.
The first phase will involve the refurbishment and restart of the electric arc furnace and slab caster, along with the modernization of the hot strip mill. This phase, including the acquisition cost, is expected to require an investment of approximately US$250 million. The modernization programme is designed to restore production capabilities, improve operational efficiency and establish a strong foundation for future expansion.
The second phase will be undertaken subject to market conditions, economic viability, feasibility studies and regulatory approvals. Under this phase, JSW Steel will evaluate the addition of another electric arc furnace and expansion of manufacturing equipment at the hot strip mill. The proposed investment of up to US$250 million is aimed at converting the Ohio facility into a fully integrated steel manufacturing unit capable of producing 3 MTPA of American melt and manufactured steel.
The proposed expansion aligns with JSW Steel’s strategy of increasing its presence in the United States while supporting domestic steel manufacturing and strengthening local supply chains. The investment is expected to enhance production capabilities, improve product offerings and enable the company to cater to growing demand across key industrial sectors in North America.
The announcement was formalized during the SelectUSA Investment Summit held at National Harbor, Maryland, where a certificate acknowledging the proposed investment was signed by Wilbur Ross, Secretary of the US Department of Commerce, and Jayant Acharya, Board Member and Director (Commercial & Marketing), JSW Steel Ltd.
JSW Steel continues to execute one of the largest expansion programmes in the global steel industry. The company currently operates a consolidated crude steel capacity of 37.9 million tonnes per annum, including its joint venture operations. Planned investments are expected to increase total capacity to 54.8 million tonnes per annum over the next four years.
At the centre of this growth strategy is the Vijayanagar facility in Karnataka, currently India’s largest single-location steel manufacturing complex. The plant’s ongoing expansion will increase capacity to nearly 25 million tonnes per annum by FY30, positioning it among the world’s largest steel production facilities.
