California to Open New Steel Mill, Creating 700 Jobs and $700 Million Investment

California is set to open a new steel mill, the Mojave Micro Mill, in Kern County, marking the first such facility in over 50 years. The project, which is currently under construction, is expected to create approximately 700 jobs and involves a total investment of around $700 million. Pacific Steel Group, based in San Diego, broke ground on the facility in March 2025. The construction costs have increased from an initial estimate of $540 million to approximately $700 million, but the project remains on schedule for commercial operations to begin in late August 2027. The mill will be the only steel plant in California that both melts and rolls steel products, according to Mark Olson, Vice President of Mill Operations at Pacific Steel Group. The facility will employ various skilled workers, including welders, electricians, and engineers. Kern County officials have approved a property tax refund agreement that could provide over $3 million in incentives over six years, offering about $7,500 for each new job created. Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has also awarded the company a $30 million California Competes tax credit in exchange for commitments to invest more than $540 million and create nearly 450 jobs in the first five years. The facility will incorporate green technology, dedicating 63 acres to on-site renewable energy and utilizing advanced carbon capture technology to reduce emissions. Pacific Steel Group is also collaborating with local colleges to develop training programs for future workers in the steel manufacturing sector.