Momentum Builds in the Land of Steel with New Investments and Infrastructure Grants

Mississippi County continues to strengthen its role as America’s top steel-producing county with two major announcements this month: Merrill Steel is investing $32 million to open a new fabrication plant in Osceola, and local cities have secured state funding for critical infrastructure improvements.

Merrill Steel, a leading supplier of structural steel and heavy plate fabrication founded in 1962, announced it will open its first Arkansas facility in Osceola at the former Denso manufacturing site. The project will create 108 new jobs over the next three years, with hiring expected to begin in spring 2026.

“The addition of the Osceola facility will perfectly complement our existing facilities, providing a high volume of quality fabricated and coated structural steel to our well-established client base,” said Fred Schwalbach, president of Merrill Steel. “We are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving from the state of Arkansas, the Osceola community and the local individuals associated with the steel industry.”

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the investment as a major win for Mississippi County and Arkansas. “As the home of the top steel producing county in America, Northeast Arkansas has become an industrial powerhouse. With our low taxes, strong workforce, growing economy and great partnerships with companies like Merrill, Arkansas is proud to drive American industry forward,” Sanders said.

The announcement adds to a wave of investment already reshaping the county. More than $8 billion in capital has been invested in steel and related industries over the last two decades. Merrill Steel joins a roster of major companies such as Nucor, Big River Steel and Hybar that have positioned this region as the nation’s steel capital.

Alongside the new plant, Mississippi County cities received good news from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, which awarded nearly $12 million in infrastructure and quality-of-life grants across the state. Keiser secured nearly $500,000 for drainage projects, and Etowah received $100,000 for a new pumper truck.

“These investments in water, drainage and emergency response are essential for supporting growth in our communities,” said County Judge John Alan Nelson. “Stronger infrastructure means stronger families and stronger opportunities as we continue to build the Land of Steel.”

With Merrill Steel preparing to break ground and new funding bolstering local infrastructure, Mississippi County is poised for another chapter of growth. The combination of industrial investment and community development underscores the region’s momentum as a place to work, live and thrive.