Alabama Iron and Steel Industry Facts (2008 data estimated)

Tons of steel produced  7.55 million
Avg. annual wage, iron and steel mills $75,000
Tons of recycled scrap steel used in production 5.5 million
Capital investment $4 billion
Environmental investment/operation costs $50 million
 

Alabama Iron and Steel Producers and Processors
(Alabama Dept. of Industrial Relations, Labor market information, 1st Quarter 2008)

Alabama primary metal employment 18,179
Steel mill and pipe plant employment 8,863
Total Alabama jobs tied to iron and steel 60,786
Labor income from steel and pipe industry $525 million
Purchase of Alabama goods/services by industry $1.65 billion
Total estimated economic impact $3.3 billion
  • Alabama’s Leadership in Iron and Steel Production: Since 1890, Alabama has been a leading steel producer and today remains among the top five steel-producing states. Birmingham plants also manufacture 65% of the nation’s cast iron pipe.
  • Heavy Metal Crucial to Alabama’s Economy: For every one job in Alabama’s iron and steel industry, another three jobs are generated. Labor income tied to iron and steel pump $4.2 billion into Alabama’s economy every year. Industries linked to iron and steel range from manufacturing services and utilities to transportation.
  • Major Tax Contributor: Iron and steel companies annually pay more than $70 million in state, local and federal taxes every year.
  • Enriching Alabama Education: Alabama steel companies invest $5 million annually in school programs and scholarships, environmental education, worker training and employee tuition.
  • Charitable Contributions: Alabama iron and steel companies contribute $1.5 million to the United Way, Habitat for Humanity and other charitable organizations each year.
  • Environmentally Responsible: Steel is the number one recycled material in the U.S. Alabama steelmakers and pipe companies buy nearly 5.5 million tons a year in scrap materials.