Hyundai Steel $5.8 billion steel manufacturing plant in Ascension Parish moved forward despite resident concerns raised at a public hearing. Therefore, before construction on the project at the Ascension Parish steel mill begins, the project must obtain an air pollution permit from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Over 100 residents appeared at the hearing to voice their support and environmental concerns on the very large facility. In the meantime, the Hyundai Steel Ascension Parish project is Hyundai Motor Group’s first steel manufacturing plant in North America.

The site will be about 1,700 acres at the RiverPlex MegaPark in Modeste, Louisiana. In particular, the Hyundai Steel Ascension Parish facility will have an annual capacity of approximately 2.7 million metric tons of steel through an electric arc furnace process. This process reduces emissions by some 70% compared with conventional blast furnace processes. Thus, the project is recommended as a “cleaner” manufacturing alternative by Louisiana Economic Development. Hyundai aims to break into the industry, but it is far off from being among the top steel manufacturers in the world. 

Outlook on the Hyundai Steel Manufacturing Plant in Ascension Parish

Hyundai Steel estimates the Ascension Parish facility will create more than 1,300 direct jobs with average salaries around $95,000. In addition, the Louisiana Economic Development estimates an additional 4,100 indirect jobs in the Capital Region. As a result, the Hyundai Steel Ascension Parish job project would create approximately 5,400 jobs throughout the region. However, the residents wondered if employees in the area would get jobs at the plant. Community members also questioned about transparency and Hyundai hiring locally. The company’s focus is on listening to the community’s concerns and coming up with trust, said Stephanie Malin, Senior Manager of Media Relations.

Community Concerns Challenge Environmental and Transparency Standards

Residents raised multiple objections during the public hearing against the Hyundai Steel Ascension Parish project. In particular, issues included future impacts on the environment, the future effects on surrounding families, and the availability of employment for local residents. One resident called for more stringent environmental requirements than are put forward in the air permit. Moreover, Mike McClanahan requested more transparency from Hyundai regarding its activities and community impact. Jacob Horwitz made a call for “direct negotiations” between the state, Hyundai and residents regarding environmental protection measures. Furthermore, the community members seek assurance on hiring practices and environmental protection measures.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Hyundai Steel Ascension Parish Steel Manufacturing Facility
• Project Value: $5.8 Billion
• Location: RiverPlex MegaPark, Modeste, Louisiana (Ascension Parish)
• Developer: Hyundai Steel (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Status: Pending Louisiana DEQ air pollution permit approval

Scope

• 1,700-acre manufacturing facility
• 2.7 million metric tons annual steel production capacity
• Electric arc furnace technology (70% fewer emissions vs. blast furnace)
• Automotive steel supply for Hyundai US operations
• First North American Hyundai steel production facility

Project Highlights

• Direct job creation: 1,300+ positions at ~$95,000 average salary
• Indirect jobs projected: 4,100 positions in Capital Region
• Total employment opportunity: ~5,400 jobs
• Electric arc furnace reduces emissions 70% vs. traditional methods
• Strategic supply chain for Hyundai Motor Group North America

Key Developments

• Public hearing held September 2, 2026
• 100+ residents attended hearing expressing support and concerns
• Air pollution permit application pending with Louisiana DEQ
• Hyundai committed to community engagement and transparency meetings
• No timeline announced for DEQ permit decision

Key Challenges

• Environmental impact concerns from neighboring residents
• Community demands for stronger pollution standards than proposed permit
• Transparency and direct community negotiation requirements
• Ensuring local hiring for facility positions
• Long-term environmental effects on surrounding families

Outlook

• Louisiana DEQ to review air pollution permit application
• Additional community meetings planned by Hyundai Steel
• Negotiations expected on environmental protection measures
• Local hiring commitments to be established through dialogue
• Project targets construction commencement after permit approval