Eddie Kane Steel adds to Meade County momentum
“EVERYBODY I’VE MET in this town has just been phenomenal,” gushes Gus Kane.
Calling his decision to construct a $4.8 million steel processing facility in Brandenburg a “feel-good thing,” the founder and president of Eddie Kane Steel Products credits the open arms and positive attitude of Meade County leaders.
“They are continuing our inspiration to want to grow our business the right way,” Kane says. “The way my dad raised me, to treat others the way that you wish to be treated.
“I would especially like to thank David Pace of Meade County for his tireless efforts in helping us realize our goal of expanding our business operations in Kentucky.”
Pace, an employee of Meade County RECC who chairs Meade County-Brandenburg Economic Development, worked to identify the best location for the new facility, which will distribute and process carbon and alloy steel plate.
“I’ve never met a more sincere person as far as the business relationship goes than David Pace,” Kane says. “He took me above and beyond.”
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New Jersey, Eddie Kane Steel employs more than 150 people at seven facilities in Alabama, California, New Jersey, North Carolina and Ohio. The company’s partnerships include numerous industries and infrastructure projects. Its expansion into Kentucky comes as Nucor Corp. constructs a $1.7 billion steel plate manufacturing mill in Brandenburg.
“That’s why we’re here, to be partners with Nucor,” Kane says.
The investment demonstrates Meade County’s growing industrial strength, Pace says. “This adds further momentum to that mission.”
Like Nucor, the new Eddie Kane Steel Products facility will be served by Meade County RECC and Big Rivers Electric.
“Rooted in all of our economic development efforts is the goal to benefit our community and cooperative member system,” says Marty Littrel, president and CEO of Meade County RECC. “We are excited to welcome the Kane family to our electric cooperative family.”
Work on the new facility is slated to begin this year and be completed before the end of 2022. The company plans to initially hire 25 employees who will earn $33 per hour plus benefits.
“Our expectations for our new Kentucky operation include having our leadership group work alongside our future Kentucky teammates and inspire them to set goals, tenaciously fight through adversity and challenges, and as a complete team, enjoy the journey of reaching those goals,” Kane says.
