Steel startup to build $875M factory, create 725 jobs in North Carolina

U.S. Forged Rings plans major manufacturing hub in Hertford County

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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U.S. Forged Rings, a startup that plans to make steel piping and components for industrial customers, announced it will build a new $875 million manufacturing hub in Hertford County, North Carolina. The project is expected to create over 700 high-paying jobs in the region.

Why it matters

This investment by U.S. Forged Rings is a significant economic boost for northeastern North Carolina, an area that has struggled with job losses in recent years. The new steel manufacturing facility will bring much-needed high-wage employment opportunities to the region and help strengthen the state's industrial base.

The details

The first two phases of the U.S. Forged Rings project are expected to create 625 jobs, with additional future phases potentially bringing the total to over 725 positions. The company plans to build a piping facility by the end of 2028, a large fabrications facility by late 2028, and a forging and ring-rolling facility operating by the end of 2029. U.S. Forged Rings selected the Hertford County location due to its access to waterways, rail, and utilities, as well as its proximity to steel producer Nucor's existing plant in the area.

  • U.S. Forged Rings announced plans in early 2023 to build an East Coast production facility.
  • The first phase of the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2028.
  • The second phase is planned to be finished by the end of 2029.
  • The third phase is scheduled for completion by 2030.

The players

U.S. Forged Rings

A startup that plans to manufacture steel piping and components for industrial customers, including the wind energy, nuclear energy, construction, shipping, mining, oil-and-gas, and aerospace sectors.

Nucor

The largest U.S. steel producer, which has a plant near the town of Cofield in Hertford County. Nucor has been acquiring hundreds of acres in the county as it seeks to expand its operations.

Gov. Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina, who praised the U.S. Forged Rings investment as a 'ringing endorsement of our state's top-notch workforce'.

Giacomo Sozzi

The president of U.S. Forged Rings, who said the company's investment will 'bring good paying jobs back to America, substitute imports, lower dependency on foreign suppliers, increase the resilience of the US economy, and help lower uncertainty in the costs and timing of building power plants and other critical infrastructure'.

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What they’re saying

“US Forged Rings' investment in Hertford County is a ringing endorsement of our state's top-notch workforce. We are committed to delivering the talent companies need and bringing good-paying jobs to every corner of our state, including northeastern North Carolina with this project.”

— Gov. Josh Stein (WRAL)

“This investment will bring good paying jobs back to America, substitute imports, lower dependency on foreign suppliers, increase the resilience of the US economy, and help lower uncertainty in the costs and timing of building power plants and other critical infrastructure that the country very much needs.”

— Giacomo Sozzi, President, U.S. Forged Rings (WRAL)

What’s next

County officials are expected to consider approving an economic development agreement with U.S. Forged Rings at a meeting on Monday.

The takeaway

This major investment by U.S. Forged Rings represents a significant economic opportunity for northeastern North Carolina, providing hundreds of high-paying manufacturing jobs and strengthening the region's industrial base. The project also highlights North Carolina's efforts to attract new businesses and support job growth across the state.