It's no surprise to Jim Darsey that Nucor located its new detailing center in Norfolk.
Speaking to the crowd gathered Friday morning for the public unveiling of the new Nucor Detailing Center, the vice president and president of Vulcraft/Verco Group said it's easy to see why Nucor made the decision it did.
It was a decision based on past success of the Vulcraft operation in Norfolk starting in the 1960s, and then the Nucor steel mill, and then Cold Finish, he said.
"It's going to build on the past success," he said. "That speaks very well of the people in this area, in this community, in your commitment and drive to be successful."
Darsey was joined by Ham Lott, Nucor executive vice president; U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Lincoln, state Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk and Gov. Dave Heineman in congratulating the local Nucor team for the success that led to the completion of the new 50,000-square-foot facility located in southeast Norfolk.
Fortenberry said he believes having a company like Nucor in Norfolk plays a big role in why the state has not experienced the harsh economic downturn suffered by other states.
Nucor's willingness to expand in tough economic times, it's no-layoff policy and its model of stewardship to community and resources make it an asset to Nebraska, he said.
"It is this kind of positive local economic connectiveness - strengthened by good corporate partners like Nucor Steel in communities like Norfolk - that will help build America in a just, prosperous and secure economic future," Fortenberry said.
Flood echoed Fortenberry's sentiments.
"For years to come, think about it - buildings structures, projects and Nucor customers are going to benefit from the work done right there in the facility around the world," he said.
Flood said Nebraska's work ethic deserves the credit for that legacy.
Heineman said he planned to use the new detailing center in Norfolk as an example to the nation in an interview with the Fox News network Friday afternoon.
"I'm going to share what happened this morning - that we are still expanding in spite of the challenges all over America," Heineman said.
The leadership of the Nucor team and the teammates at the facility are responsible and should be proud of the new facility because it will provide the space and tools needed to support the continued growth of the dynamic company, Heineman said.
"(Nucor) is the gold standard in how they take care of their employees," Heineman said. "In corporate America today, frankly, it is extraordinary."
