The Alabama Iron & Steel Council was created as a public-private partnership through an executive order signed by Gov. Bob Riley on February 13, 2008.
Its purpose is to promote stability and growth of the historically important heavy metals industry in the state. Iron and steel production has played a major role in the state’s economy since the mid-1800s.
With the addition of the new ThyssenKrupp steel plant near Mobile next year, Alabama is in position to become the nation’s second largest steel producing state. It currently ranks fifth. Additionally, Birmingham mills produce 65% of the nation’s ductile iron pipe.
The Alabama Iron & Steel Council, which provides industry information for policymakers and government officials on the metals industry, is composed of 21 members including representatives of the state’s eight major iron and steel companies.
Alabama’s primary metal employment in 2008 accounted for 17,779 jobs and wages paid of over $1.1 billion. Steel mills and pipe plants accounted for about half that total.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Alabama Iron & Steel Council is to develop and support policies, strategies, activities, and legislative and regulatory initiatives that promote the growth and strengthen the competitive success of the state’s iron and steel industry and the companies that comprise it. In connection with that mission, the Council serves as a communications and educational arm of the iron and steel industry, developing, and disseminating statistics and information to promote public awareness of the vital contributions and rewarding career opportunities provided by Alabama’s iron and steel industries.