Nucor Corp. will build a full-range merchant-bar-quality (MBQ) mill at its existing steel mill in Bourbonnais, Ill. The MBQ mill will have an annual capacity of 500,000 tons and is expected to cost $180 million. The project, which will take approximately two years to complete, will allow Nucor to fully utilize its existing bar mill by optimizing the melt capacity and infrastructure already in place. It will also take advantage of an abundant scrap supply in the region.

According to Nucor, the mill further enhances its product offerings of merchant bar, light shapes and structural angle and channel in markets in the central U.S. The Midwest region is one of the largest markets for MBQ products. In a statement, the company said the project will bring new jobs to the community.