Laois steel company partners up with biggest supplier in United States

Midland Steel, Ireland’s leading steel reinforcement company that recently doubled in size in Laois, has announced a major partnership with the biggest steel business in America.

The Laois company has formed a strategic business partnership with Nucor Corporation, the largest steel producer and recycler in the United States.

The agreement was signed off while Midland Steel CEO Tony Woods visited the states for St Patrick's Day, along with Enterprise Ireland.

Their partnership includes exclusive licensing of Midland Steel’s ‘FasterFix’ modular rebar technology solution, and it marks a significant milestone in steel construction innovation and sustainability.

The ‘FasterFix’ modular rebar technology solution is a BIM-designed, pre-engineered system that enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and supports sustainability within the construction industry. The ‘FasterFix’ solution fully automates the cutting and
bending process for the reinforcing steel bars (rebar) used to lay foundations. It will reduce build time on site by 75pc and positively impact the overall process of a construction project from a substantiality perspective. Read about the new FasterFix factory here.

Midland Steel recently opened their FasterFix SMART plant in J17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise, a €16 million investment expected to create 70 skilled jobs, doubling their workforce at their parent plant in Mountmellick. It was officially opened by the Minister for Enterprise, & Employment, Peter Burke TD on March 6. Video of opening here.

Midland Steel say that the partnership will enable Nucor Rebar Fabrication to integrate ‘FasterFix’ into projects across North America and Canada.

Micheal Carey, Chairman, Enterprise Ireland, Tony Woods, CEO Midland Steel, An Taoiseach Michéal Martin TD, Chad Beard, President, Nucor Rebar Fabrication, Eugene McManus, Innovation Director, Nucor Rebar Fabrication, Rory Power, Head of US East Coast, Enterprise Ireland

The offsite modular process in rebar fabrication also is said to improve site safety by 85% by reducing manual handling, making the construction environment a safer one for workers while also contributing to a more environmentally responsible construction sector and improving programme schedule deliverables to the end user.

Nucor Rebar Fabrication will hold exclusive rights to the ‘FasterFix’ modular rebar solution across the U.S. through to 2029. Midland Steel will provide specialised training to Nucor teams to ensure seamless adoption of the technology. The partnership supports industry-wide efforts to reduce waste and carbon footprints in construction.

“This agreement is a testament to the power of collaboration between an Irish innovator and a U.S. industry leader,” said Tony Woods, Founder and CEO of Midland Steel.

“The FasterFix modular rebar technology, which we have patented and developed, offers significant benefits for construction projects by reducing installation times by up to 75%, decreasing labour on site by up to 80% by moving the process to an offsite environment, targeting zero waste and lowering capital costs. FasterFix represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the construction sector and will help reshape rebar installation in America, supporting Nucor’s drive for a safer more efficient, sustainable construction sector.”

“Nucor Rebar Fabrication is excited about our exclusive partnership with Midland Steel, to bring FasterFix to North America.” said Chad Beard, President of Nucor Rebar Fabrication.

”This proprietary modular fabricated rebar system will be a much-needed game changer for the construction industry, and this is the partnership to make it happen.  We share in Tony Woods' passion for Safety, Innovation, and bringing solutions to our customers and industry," he said.

The partnership announcement was made at the opening event of the new Enterprise Ireland offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event was also attended by Minister for Social Protection, Rural Affairs and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, T.D., Irish government, US and Irish industry leaders, including representatives from Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Consulate.