Hyundai Announces $5 Billion Steel Mill in Louisiana, Creating Up to 1,500 Jobs

In a major win for Louisiana’s economy, Hyundai Motor Group is set to build a $5 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish, a project that is expected to bring up to 1,500 full-time jobs to the state. The news is expected to be announced Monday during a White House ceremony with President Donald Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, according to The Advocate.

The plant will be Hyundai’s first steel mill in the U.S., supplying sheet steel to its Hyundai and Kia vehicle assembly plants in Alabama and Georgia. The facility will be located near Donaldsonville on several hundred acres of land that was previously used for sugar cane farming. The area was re-zoned years ago for industrial use and is part of a strategically positioned “megapark” designed to attract major manufacturers.

Hyundai selected the Louisiana site due to its access to natural gas, affordable electricity, proximity to Highway 1 and Interstate 10, and connections to major shipping and rail lines. Construction could begin as early as 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and the mill could be operational by 2029.

The Advocate reports that the announcement first hinted at in a January report from The Times-Picayune, comes as we see daily headlines on increasing global trade tensions. Industry analysts say Hyundai’s investment could help the company avoid upcoming tariffs on imported steel by producing materials domestically.

Governor Landry, who traveled to South Korea last fall to meet with Hyundai executives, called the development a “major economic milestone” for south Louisiana. Louisiana Economic Development officials and local Ascension Parish leaders were also instrumental in sealing the deal.

Reaction to the news on social media has been mixed but overall optimistic:

- “Congratulations to AP. Good paying jobs with benefits,” wrote one commenter.
- Another added, “Awesome! Tariffs on foreign steel doesn’t look so bad now 😁”
- Others expressed hope that the revenue would improve local infrastructure. “Can we get some decent roads now???” one user asked.
- Not everyone was optimistic: “I'm sure Louisiana will find a way to run them off,” one commenter said.

Still, many agreed that this could be a huge turning point for the region. One user put it: “Louisiana can use all the employment opportunities available!!! This is going to be great!!”

See the full story here via The Advocate.