Note to the Press – State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) issued this statement following the announcement that Vulcraft, a division of Nucor Corporation, will invest more than $59 million to expand its manufacturing operations in St. Joe, supporting additional high-wage jobs. Vulcraft, which employs more than 300 Hoosiers in northeast Indiana, plans to break ground on the new facility in the fourth quarter of this year. Once complete, the expansion will create up to 20 new jobs with average wages more than 150% of the DeKalb County average.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2026) – "I've lived in Northeast Indiana for most of my life, and I've had the privilege of seeing generations of families build their lives and careers with Nucor. They have been an excellent community partner for decades, providing Hoosiers with good-paying jobs, great benefits and opportunities to live the American Dream. Nucor selected DeKalb County as the right place to expand its manufacturing operation over other potential locations.
"This significant investment is a testament to Nucor and Vulcraft's continued commitment to St. Joe and Northeast Indiana. An investment of more than $59 million, along with the creation of new high-paying jobs, will strengthen our local economy and create even more opportunities for hardworking Hoosiers. I'm proud to see a company with deep roots in our community continuing to grow and invest right here in Northeast Indiana." – State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn)
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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
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