This is great. This, in my opinion, is a great industrial based manufacturer that we need. I hope most of the employees will be OK local. It will continue to facilitate growth in the southern part of the state (that is rather sparse, considering the proximity to DFW). 300 potential jobs, industrial based ones at that, is a good thing to have.

With things moving North from DFW, it may be business such as this that will help facilitate the OK/TX DFW merger that some speculate will happen.

FROM STAFF REPORTS • Published: July 28, 2015
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A Texas company plans to build a $250 million high-tech steel mill in Durant that could create about 300 local jobs when the plant is commissioned in 2017.

Irving, Texas-based Commercial Metals Co. selected Durant as the site for construction of its second micro mill.

Gov. Mary Fallin, in a statement, said, "We are extremely excited to welcome CMC to the city of Durant. Our pro-business climate, great quality of life, and skilled workforce make Oklahoma the perfect home for this world-class manufacturing operation."

The Oklahoma operation will mirror Commercial Metal's existing micro mill in Mesa, Ariz., and will be built with technology developed from the company's operating experience with the world's first micro mill, the company said.

The Mesa micro mill employs an innovative process to melt, cast and roll steel from a single uninterrupted strand, producing higher yields and lower energy costs than the traditional minimill process.

Commissioned in 2009, the Mesa micro mill reached full capacity within the first year of operation, the company said. The mill's compact footprint is designed to economically serve the Southwest and surrounding markets.

Commercial Metals produces a range of rebar, rounds and fence posts for the construction, energy, transportation and agriculture markets.

The company said the Durant micro mill is expected to enhance Commercial Metals' position as a leading supplier of long products in the U.S. market.
Durant's steel plant may mean 300 jobs | News OK