Union Pacific Receives First Stick of Long Rail as Rocky Mountain Steel Mills Opens New Rail Mill
In a significant milestone for both the railroad and steel industries, Union Pacific Corporation has received the inaugural stick of rail from Rocky Mountain Steel Mills' newly inaugurated long rail mill in Pueblo, Colorado. This event marks the official start of operations at a state-of-the-art facility, backed by a substantial $1.2 billion investment aimed at strengthening domestic steel production and supporting American jobs.
1. Celebrating a Historic Partnership
Union Pacific leadership, led by Chief Executive Officer Jim Vena, visited the Pueblo facility to tour the mill and engage with Rocky Mountain Steel Mills employees. This visit is symbolic of the long-standing partnership between Union Pacific and Rocky Mountain Steel, which dates back to 1882 when Union Pacific purchased its first stick of rail from the original Pueblo mill. Over the years, this collaboration has been pivotal in building and maintaining America’s infrastructure while providing employment opportunities to thousands of families.
"Union Pacific and Rocky Mountain Steel Mills have a proud history of supporting American manufacturing, jobs, and communities," stated Jim Vena. He emphasized that the renewed partnership will enhance the country’s supply chain and highlight the vital role of reliable rail transportation in sustaining economic growth.
2. A Commitment to Domestic Production
The recent contract signed in April between Union Pacific and Rocky Mountain Steel Mills ensures the domestic production of steel rails for the next seven years. This agreement underscores Union Pacific's commitment to sourcing a majority of its rail from the Colorado-based steel producer, further solidifying a relationship that emphasizes local manufacturing and job creation.
Doug Matthews, the Chief Executive Officer of Orion Steel, the parent company of Rocky Mountain Steel, echoed Vena’s sentiments. He remarked on Pueblo’s steelmaking heritage and its representation of resilience and innovation in American manufacturing. Matthews expressed pride in the partnership with Union Pacific, stating it exemplifies the potential of American companies collaborating to fortify domestic supply chains.
3. Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainability
The new long rail mill is among the most advanced rail production facilities globally, boasting a capacity to produce 100-meter (328-foot) lengths of premium rail. This innovation brings about substantial efficiency improvements, requiring 80 percent fewer welds than traditional 80-foot rails. Such advancements are expected to enhance track safety and reliability for major railways like Union Pacific.
Moreover, the facility's commitment to sustainability is noteworthy. Rocky Mountain Steel Mills produces all its steel using Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, which generates 75 percent fewer CO₂ emissions than conventional blast furnace methods. The mill is also equipped with 750,000 solar panels, supplying up to 95 percent of its electricity, making it the first and largest solar-powered steel mill in the world.
4. Supporting American Workers
The new mill not only signifies a leap forward in rail production but also represents a commitment to American labor. Roxanne Brown, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW), highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating that the rails produced will support the backbone of the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensure a strong, union-made future for communities across America.
As Union Pacific and Rocky Mountain Steel Mills embark on this new chapter, their collaboration stands as a testament to the power of domestic manufacturing and the vital role it plays in the nation’s economy. By investing in advanced technologies and sustainable practices, both companies are poised to drive significant improvements in the steel and rail sectors while fostering economic growth and job creation for generations to come.
