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Sep 28, 2026 | Press Releases

Nunn Welcomes 1,700 Jobs and $15 Billion Steel Investment Coming to Iowa

DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today welcomed Mesabi Metallics’ announcement of a $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County, a project expected to create 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs. Rep. Nunn joined Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) in releasing the following statement:

“This historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa’s role in the future of American manufacturing.

“As the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will create approximately 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state.

“The administration’s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.”

Expanding pathways into skilled trades careers has been a top priority for Rep. Nunn in Congress, building the workforce that investments like this one need across all of Iowa. He has secured nearly $5 million in federal funding for workforce training at Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Western Community College, and Indian Hills Community College, including renovated and expanded skilled trades labs at Iowa Western’s Atlantic and Clarinda Rural Centers. He is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act to expand apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers.

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