New quench and tempering facility will expand tubular steel production in Alabama and support approximately 600 construction jobs
FAIRFIELD, Ala. (September 25, 2026) — U. S. Steel has broken ground on a $475 million quench and tempering facility at its Fairfield Tubular Operations in Alabama. The expansion is expected to create approximately 250 permanent jobs and support about 600 jobs during peak construction.
The new facility will allow U. S. Steel to heat-treat tubular steel products at Fairfield instead of sending that work outside Alabama. Once fully operational, the company expects it to process approximately 30,000 tons of tubular products per month for customers in the domestic oil and natural gas industry.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with full production expected in 2029.
Expansion Builds on Fairfield’s Manufacturing Base
The project will add capacity to produce high-performance Oil Country Tubular Goods, or OCTG, used in energy production. It is also expected to include a new employee training facility and other improvements to the Fairfield operation.
U. S. Steel Senior Vice President of Tubular Solutions Scott Dorn has described the expansion as a “generational project for Fairfield Tubular Operations,” citing its potential to increase production of heat-treated products and strengthen the facility’s role in the energy supply chain.
The company previously announced a $75 million Premium Thread Line at Fairfield. Together, the two projects represent approximately $550 million in announced investment at the site.
New Jobs and Opportunities for Fairfield
Of the approximately 250 permanent positions expected from the quench and tempering project, about 220 are anticipated to be union-represented jobs and 30 non-represented positions. The construction phase is expected to support approximately 600 jobs at its peak.
Fairfield Mayor Herman Carnes said the investment could also bring opportunities to local businesses and families.
“This is an important investment in Fairfield’s future,” Carnes said. “When a major company like U. S. Steel makes this level of investment in our community, it creates opportunity not only for the people who will work at the facility, but for businesses and families throughout Fairfield. We are excited about what this means for our city and our future.”
The expansion adds advanced production capabilities to a manufacturing operation that has been part of the Birmingham region’s industrial economy for more than a century.
About the City of Fairfield
Fairfield is a city in Jefferson County within the Birmingham metropolitan area. Its economic development efforts focus on business investment and workforce opportunity.
City of Fairfield
Fairfield City Hall
4701 Gary Avenue
Fairfield, AL 35064
205-788-2492
About U. S. Steel
Founded in 1901, U. S. Steel produces steel for industries including automotive, construction, appliances, energy and packaging.
