Hybar officially opens in Osceola

Mississippi County officially has another steel producer. Hybar held its grand opening Wednesday (Nov. 12) for its sustainable rebar mill in Osceola.

Since the startup company was formed a little more than two years ago, it has completed a scrap metal recycling steel production mill, a behind-the-meter solar and battery storage electrical energy facility, and a Mississippi River port operation for a total investment of nearly $1 billion.

“I’ve had the privilege of being involved with more than $8 billion of greenfield steel mill projects in Mississippi County over the past 12 years,” said Hybar CEO Dave Stickler. “I can confidently say that Arkansas is not only a great place to do business, but it is a really, really great place to do steel business.”

Hybar’s scrap metal recycling steel production mill will now produce more than 700,000 tons annually of reinforcing bar, commonly known as rebar, accounting for approximately 7% of the annual rebar demand in the U.S.

“From highways to homes, rebar keeps our nation moving forward — and Arkansas is where it’s made,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “Hybar’s new facility will help Arkansas reach new heights, secure Mississippi County’s status as the top steel-producing county in the nation, and drive growth across America. Once again, Arkansas businesses are the catalyst for a stronger, more prosperous future.”

Hybar’s behind-the-meter solar and battery electrical energy facility is the nation’s largest. When the sun is shining, Hybar is the only steel producer in North America to use 100% renewable energy.

Hybar’s Mississippi River port allows the company to source its raw material and scrap metal and deliver its rebar steel along the Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Illinois river systems. Combined with its central location, on-site BNSF rail connection and proximity to Arkansas’s extensive highway networks, Hybar can economically transport scrap metal from nearly any geographic area of the U.S.

“Today’s grand opening is an important moment for Hybar that highlights the investments that the company has made in Arkansas and Mississippi County,” said Clint O’Neal, Arkansas Economic Development Commission executive director. “The steel industry is a major part of our state’s economy, and Hybar is a key part of the industry. We thank them for their investment, and we congratulate the local community on supporting companies like Hybar that are creating jobs and opportunities in our state.”