US Steel breaks ground in Osceola

United States Steel held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday inside of the coil warehouse at the neighboring Big River Steel Works for what will be the most technologically advanced mini mill in North America.

The $3 billion mill will be located just south of the BRSW campus off of Highway 119.

Master of Ceremonies Daniel Brown, Senior Vice-president of Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer of the Big River Steel Works, said, “It is a great day for Osceola and a great day for US Steel.”

Brown also stated that while the current Big River Steel Works is the first Leed Certified Steel making facility in the U.S. that BRSW has received conditional approval to be the first Accredited Steel Company in North America.

David Burritt, President and Chief Executive Officer of US Steel, told the audience he had told Brown he wanted to keep the ceremony small.

“I only wanted people here who made a difference,” Burritt said. “You, all of you here, are here because you made a difference.

“Our company has been through some rough times,” said Burritt, “but today is a special day.”

Burritt also remarked that US Steel has been in business for more than 120 years. “Our success didn’t happen overnight. I also know that our best days are ahead of us.”

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson was next at the microphone. Hutchinson said, “That man (Burritt) is a decision maker and he chose Arkansas.”

What does the decision to place the new mill in Arkansas mean to the state? Hutchinson said, “This project is the largest economic investment in the history of this state.”

This drew a hearty round of applause from those in attendance. Hutchinson also said the steel industry has brought “growth and economic opportunities which will have an impact on our state’s young people.”

The mill proposal was brought up in September of 2021. The Osceola site was one of 40 considered for the project and, less than six months later, ground has been broken.

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston praised all of those involved. “Economic Development is a team sport,” said Preston. “I am humbled to have been part of this remarkable project. This is a generational project, but this is just the beginning,” said Preston.

Arkansas State Senator Dave Wallace, of Leachville, introduced the legislation supporting the US Steel project in the senate. “What a great day,” remarked Wallace. “Now young men and women have an opportunity to make $120,000 plus annually. This is a great day for Mississippi County.”

State Representative Monte Hodges, who represents House District 55 which has now become District 34 said, “This is an exciting time. US Steel is giving an inheritance for our future generations.”

Hodges thanked US Steel for bringing the mill to District 55/34.

Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson said, “This $3 billion project is helping establish greatness in our county. The live here, work here program. The work done by Great River Economic Development (Clif Chitwood and Tamika Jenkins) has us investing in our future.”

Osceola Mayor Sally Wilson welcomed everyone to Osceola. “We are celebrating an accomplishment,” said Wilson. “These partnerships are making a great company even greater.” Wilson also said, “This growth is making Osceola a home worthy for the people who live here.”

Charles Landrum, a representative of First District Congressman Rick Crawford, then read a letter from Crawford which called the First District, “The destination for steel investment in North America.”

Following Landrum’s remarks, US Steel’s Burritt asked everyone to turn their attention to a video screen.

Moments later, the screen showed an excavator, a backhoe and a bulldozer which made the first actual cuts in the dirt on the site of the new mill.

Once complete the new mill will employ 900 people with 700 of those employs making a minimum of $120,000 annually.