State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) was provided a behind-the-scenes tour of the NUCOR Skyline Steel plant located in Newton recently. NUCOR boasts being the largest steel and steel products producer in the United States and the largest recycler of any type of material in North America, recycling over 20 million tons of iron scrap annually to produce new steel that is 100 percent recyclable.
There are 32 employees at the Newton facility with 1,500 in the state of Illinois. They produce rolled and welded pipe pilings for skyscrapers, interstate overpasses and bridges. NUCOR Skyline Steel of Newton has provided steel beams in the construction of most of the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings along the Chicago River in the City of Chicago, including the famous Trump Tower.
“NUCOR is a prime example of how the private sector can create good paying jobs and set industry high standards for work safety for its employees three years running,” commented Rep. Niemerg. “We are fortunate to have a local plant that also supports local community programs such as the Jasper County Sheriffs Association and the Family Life Centers in Effingham and Newton.”
Niemerg learned that the average NUCOR teammate stays with the company for 20 years with the average salary nationwide at $100,000 a year currently. Every employee and their dependents are eligible to receive a $4,000-per-year scholarship to attend college or a trade school. Nationwide, more than $115 million has been awarded to nearly 25,000 children since the beginning of this program in 1974.
Rep. Niemerg received a very warm welcome with introductions given by two corporate team members from Charlotte, North Carolina and several members from the management team at the plant including Plant Manager Chris Himelick, Production Supervisor Kevin Dhom, Quality Supervisor Eric Pitts, Controller Brenda Schulz, State Government Affairs Director Mike Stober, and Illinois lobbyist Ed Peck.
The tour of the plant included a hands-on opportunity for Rep. Niemerg to use the machinery to make a weld and then inspect the steel product.
