Steel is returning to Sparrows Point in a major way. Governor Wes Moore announced this week that JD Fields HDM Spiralweld Mill, LLC will open a new 200,000-square-foot pipe pile fabrication center at Tradepoint Atlantic, bringing 150 high-skilled jobs and a $50 million investment to the region.

“For years, people believed steel would never come back to Baltimore after the closure of Bethlehem Steel,” Moore said. “Today, we prove the dreamers right. This is one of the great comeback stories in American history, showing what is possible when the public and private sectors work together.”

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The project represents JD Fields’ first East Coast expansion from its Houston headquarters. A partnership with Turkish manufacturer HDM Steel Pipe, the new fabrication center will rise on 13 acres in the southeast portion of Tradepoint Atlantic’s Sparrows Point peninsula. Construction is expected to finish by the end of 2026, with operations beginning in early 2027.

The Maryland Department of Commerce is supporting the project with a $1 million conditional loan through its Advantage Maryland program, and Baltimore County will provide an additional $100,000 loan. JD Fields is also eligible for up to $750,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits, tied to the number of new full-time jobs created in the county.

Officials say the new plant will convert international and domestic steel plates and coils into specialized structural steel for major infrastructure projects nationwide. Its proximity to the Port of Baltimore’s marine terminals is expected to boost efficiency in reaching a diverse range of customers.

“This new facility is proof of concept that Tradepoint Atlantic provides unmatched connectivity for manufacturers,” said Kerry Doyle, Managing Director of Tradepoint Atlantic. “We’re thrilled to welcome JD Fields and the steel industry back to Sparrows Point.”

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier called the development a milestone. “We are delighted that JD Fields HDM Spiralweld Mill chose to expand their operations here,” she said. “This marks the return of steel manufacturing at Sparrows Point and new opportunities for our community.”

JD Fields executives echoed the excitement. “With nearly four decades of experience in steel distribution and fabrication, we are excited to expand our operations to the East Coast,” said Joel S. Showalter, Vice President and CFO. “We look forward to joining the Baltimore community and continuing to provide value for our customers.”

The announcement not only brings new jobs and investment, but it also marks a symbolic moment—reviving steel production at a site once considered lost to history. For Baltimore, steel is not just industry; it’s heritage, resilience, and now, renewal.