The arrival of Nucor already has been transformative for Mason County, West Virginia.

The $4 billion steel mill under construction along the Ohio River has brought many new faces to Apple Grove, but the familiar faces are even more special.

“It’s really exciting to know that there are families that have moved away that are now moving back to West Virginia,” said Heather Vanater, Appalachian Power Economic Development manager. “And they are moving back because they have a job, and they can make a great living.”

When production begins in about a year, the mill will directly employ about 800 people, but already there has been an economic boon from contractors and construction work. Add to that Nucor’s considerable contributions to schools and service organizations, plus support businesses, housing development, tax implications and more – and the ripple effect grows.

“It’s going to keep generations of people together. We have had people move out of West Virginia, and now they’re coming back,” said Rick Handley, Mason County commissioner. “And we’re seeing people decide to stay because of what this mill will offer. As a county commissioner, I’ve been waiting for 29 years for something like this to happen.”

Johnny Jacobs, Nucor West Virginia vice president and general manager, said the partnership between Appalachian Power and Nucor will be, “generationally transformative.”

“We are going to create careers here,” Jacobs said. “It’s actually a bit hard to completely envision how much of an impact this mill will have.”