# Iowa Announces $15B Steel Plant Investment

The State of Iowa, in partnership with Mesabi Metallics, announced a historic **$15 billion** investment to construct and operate the largest steel manufacturing plant in American history, located in Lee County, Iowa. This initiative, publicly unveiled on September 28, 2026, involves significant federal and state support and is expected to create over 1,700 permanent jobs along with thousands of construction positions. The project aims to strengthen domestic steel production capacity, enhance national security by reducing reliance on foreign steel, and boost Iowa's manufacturing sector and economic growth.

- The contract for construction and operation represents the largest private investment in Iowa's history, signaling substantial opportunities for contractors specializing in steel production, heavy manufacturing infrastructure, and related supply chains.
- Procurement professionals should note the strategic emphasis on domestic manufacturing and workforce development, which may influence future state and federal funding priorities and contracting requirements.
- Companies in steel manufacturing, construction, and industrial equipment sectors should evaluate partnership and bidding opportunities linked to this project and its ancillary infrastructure.
- This development underscores a broader national trend toward reshoring critical industrial capabilities, which may lead to increased procurement activity in related sectors across other states.

**Jurisdictions:** federal, sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. House of Representatives
- State of Iowa

### Vendors
- Mesabi Metallics (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to bringing steel manufacturing back to America, and Mesabi Metallics for choosing Iowa as its partner and future home. This is a transformational opportunity for our country, our state, and American families00one that strengthens national security, creates thousands of high-paying jobs, and provides a reliable supply of high-quality, American-made steel for strategic goods and everyday products.
> — Kim Reynolds, Governor

> For too long, Iowa families have watched their jobs shipped overseas and their communities hollowed out. Not anymore. The largest steel plant in America is coming to Lee County with more than 1,700 permanent, good-paying jobs. I'm proud to have helped make this historic investment a reality. There's no better place than Iowa to make things IN America, BY Americans.
> — Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Congresswoman

> This project would be a gamechanger for southeast Iowa and leave a lasting impact on our state0s manufacturing footprint. This will bring real jobs that mean stable careers for working families, giving more young people a chance to proudly call Iowa home.
> — Pat Grassley, Speaker of the House

### Sources
- [President Trump, Miller-Meeks Announce Historic $15 Billion Steel Plant Coming to Lee County | Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks](https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-miller-meeks-announce-historic-15-billion-steel-plant-coming) - Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks | (.gov)
- [Gov. Reynolds attends White House announcement on nation’s largest-ever steel manufacturing investment coming to Iowa | Governor Kim Reynolds](https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-09-28/gov-reynolds-attends-white-house-announcement-nations-largest-ever-steel-manufacturing-investment) - IA