Hyundai Steel is ramping up efforts to secure temporary office space in the United States as it prepares to construct an integrated electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mill. The initiative is gaining momentum with increasing cooperation from local authorities.
According to the City of Donaldsonville, Mayor Leroy Sullivan met on June 24 (local time) with Hyundai Steel representatives, including Hyungjin Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the North America Steel Business Division. Both sides agreed to continue exploring potential office locations in western Ascension Parish and will hold monthly meetings to monitor progress on securing office space and advancing the steel mill project.
“I’m pleased to share that, following our meeting with Hyundai Steel, we agreed to continue identifying temporary office space in western Ascension Parish,” said Mayor Sullivan. “The City of Donaldsonville is working closely with Hyundai to locate suitable facilities. Together, we aim to create a mutually beneficial opportunity that delivers value to the entire community.”
City officials have provided Hyundai Steel with a portfolio of available properties in Ascension Parish. The company is currently reviewing several options and is seeking a facility of approximately 20,000 square feet to accommodate more than 100 employees.
This effort follows a recent decision by the Gonzales City Council to unanimously postpone a resolution that would authorize lease negotiations for a civic center. The delay was attributed to the need for legal review and public input. Council members expressed concerns about the potential long-term closure of public facilities, reduced public access, legal implications, and a lack of clarity regarding rental terms and renovation costs.
In March, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion investment to build a fully integrated EAF steel mill in Ascension Parish. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 2.7 million short tons, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2026 and full-scale operations expected by 2030.
This marks Hyundai Steel’s first steel plant in the United States and the country’s first fully integrated EAF facility that covers the entire production process—from raw material input to finished steel sheet output. The company aims to strengthen its global brand recognition and expand its customer base through the U.S. operation, while also implementing eco-friendly production methods. Hyundai plans to use the U.S. facility as a model to accelerate its transition toward carbon neutrality across its global operations.
