Steel Manufacturer Expansion
The Challenge
A global steel manufacturer needed to expand one of its Midwest plants and began investigating possible available incentives from the local community to help offset the costs of infrastructure upgrades, power issues and workforce challenges that would come with the expansion. Unfortunately, local leaders were reluctant to offer much to a company already located in the area, putting the future of the expansion in question.
Our Solution
The company began working with the Site Selection team at Springline which advised the company it needed to either simply threaten to move away from the existing community or legitimately pursue new locations. The team crafted a plan for a new plant that could feasibly be located in a neighboring state, and the company notified current state leaders it was prepared to move if a better opportunity was found. The Springline team narrowed the search to a few sites that would work and led company representatives on a three-state tour to investigate the options.
Client Impact & Results
While the 2025 steel tariffs have delayed the company’s plans to proceed with the expansion at this time, the process nevertheless illuminated to company leaders the myriad possibilities outside its current location. The move also compelled the home state to offer substantial incentives if the company stays, recognizing the competitiveness of the project.
