Process Metallurgist

Companies with more cash than debt are holding up better as inflation hits 3.7%, the 10-year Treasury yields about 5.1%, and US oil tops $100 a barrel. An analysis of five industry pairs found the stronger company sat closer to its 52-week high in every case. In four, debt made the difference. Microsoft, with $20 billion of net cash, is 1.8% below its high. CoreWeave, with $46 billion of net debt, is 56.3% below. Exxon is 0.4% below its high, against 35.6% for American Airlines. Nucor trails its high by 4.9%, while Celanese trails by 30.8%. Alphabet is down 14.4%, while Charter, with $96 billion of net debt, is down 57.0%. Costco and Nike are the exception: Nike's gap stems from falling sales, not debt.

Be Pro Be Proud unveils new simulator donated by Nucor Steel Arkansas. Be Pro Be Proud recently unveiled a new crane simulator donated by Nucor Steel Arkansas inside the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop. The new simulator will give students an interactive experience exploring an additional career opportunity central to one of the area's largest employers, according to a press release. "This simulator gives students something they can't get from a textbook - the opportunity to step into an experience to see what it takes to operate a crane," said Andrew Parker, executive director of Be Pro Be Proud. "We're grateful to Nucor for investing in this program to help students see that there are rewarding, high-skill careers available right here in Arkansas." The unveiling took place at Nucor's operations in Mississippi County as part of an event highlighting the company's investment in workforce development and its partnership with Be Pro Be Proud. More than 30 students from Blytheville School District, Delta Schools and Arkansas Northeastern College participated in the event. The Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop, launched in Arkansas and now featured in states across the country, features immersive simulators that let students explore technical professions and experience the skills used in various industries. The crane simulator gives students an engaging introduction to the equipment and decision-making involved in crane operations, while helping them better understand the technical career opportunities available in manufacturing and other industrial fields, the release stated. Other simulators on board represent career pathways such as diesel technology, electrical work, utility linework, robotics and commercial truck driving.

Nucor Corporation announces $105 million expansion in Indiana, creating 100 new jobs. Governor Mike Braun announced that Nucor Corporation will invest $105 million expanding its Crawfordsville facility - creating up to 100 new jobs by late decade. The move builds on several recent investments by Nucor across Indiana. Yesterday, 1:22 p.m. Friday, Oct 9 By Hoosier State Today Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced on Oct. 8 that Nucor Corporation plans to expand its Towers & Structures manufacturing operations in Crawfordsville, which is expected to create up to 100 new jobs by the end of 2029. Braun said, "This is a significant win for Indiana and, most importantly, for Hoosiers as Nucor's continued commitment to the state will create another 100 high-paying career opportunities. Nucor's expansion in Indiana will add to our state's robust advanced manufacturing sector, putting Hoosiers at the center of delivering high-quality, durable and safe products worldwide." Nucor will invest $105 million into expanding its existing facility in Montgomery County by adding an additional 125,000 square feet under roof on its approximately 180-acre site. The project aims to increase production of engineered utility structures supporting electrification initiatives such as grid hardening and renewable energy projects. The company expects to break ground on the expansion in the first quarter of 2027 and begin hiring mid-2027. New positions are anticipated to offer average salaries nearly 150% above the Montgomery County average. Leon Topalian, chair and chief executive officer of Nucor Corporation, said, "The expansion of our Towers & Structures production facility in Indiana will help us meet strong demand for utility poles and other infrastructure resulting from significant investments by our electric utility customers to modernize the grid and expand generation to meet our nation's growing power needs. We appreciate the support we have received from state and local officials in Indiana, including Governor Braun, the Indiana Office of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Montgomery County Council and Board of Commissioners, and we are excited to grow our operations in Indiana." The project marks Nucor's fifth major investment in Indiana recently - totaling $597.5 million - and includes expansions such as a $290 million modernization at its sheet mill operations in Crawfordsville; a $28.5 million insulated metal panel facility next to its Waterloo campus; a $59 million investment at Vulcraft division in St. Joe; along with today's announcement accounting for a total of about 400 new jobs. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said, "Nucor's strong presence in Indiana provides more than 2,600 - and growing - Hoosier jobs while powering Indiana manufacturing and community growth. The company's decision to continue investing and growing in Indiana is a testament to the skill of our Hoosier workforce and the strength of our state's business climate." Launched in 1989 with its first sheet steel mill operation - now employing more than 2,600 people across over a dozen locations - Nucor's Crawfordsville expansion remains subject to finalization of local incentives being considered by Montgomery County. Braun contributed through public service roles on school boards as well as serving as state representative before winning election first as U.S. Senator, then becoming governor; he also championed over forty bills that became law during his Senate term, according to the official website. He grew his company into a national entity employing thousands after graduating summa cum laude from Wabash College with an economics degree followed by earning an MBA from Harvard Business School; he has been married for forty-nine years raising four children.